Business Manager/Controller and Communications Manager Join the Arts Council Silicon Valley Staff

San Jose, CA, December 8, 2004 – Arts Council Silicon Valley today announced the hiring of Monica Toumani as its new Business Manager/Controller and Joshua Russell as the organization’s new Communications Manager.

Ms. Toumani comes to the Arts Council with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial management from a variety of nonprofit and for profit organizations. She most recently served as the Director of Finance for Next Door Solutions, a nonprofit social service organization. Among her many duties at the Arts Council Silicon Valley, Ms. Toumani’s responsibilities include managing and preparing the annual budgeting process, preparing budgets for grant applications and reports and managing all company tax functions.

“We conducted an extremely thorough search for a position that is vital to our organization and are thrilled to be bringing Monica aboard,” said Bruce W. Davis, Executive Director of Arts Council Silicon Valley, “Her experience and knowledge will no doubt benefit our organization a great deal.”

Ms. Toumani is a past board member of the American Society of Women Accountants and is a current member of the United Way Silicon Valley’s Allocation Committee.

Mr. Russell joins the Arts Council having previously worked for a number of advertising and public relations agencies in the Valley, executing strategic plans and programs for companies ranging from hospitals and sports teams to financial institutions and non-profit arts organizations for the past six years. A relatively new position at the Arts Council, as Communications Manager, Mr. Russell’s responsibilities include managing all aspects of the organization’s messaging, materials, media, community relations, and advocacy efforts.

“The hiring of Josh enables us to tap into his knowledge and experience from successful integrated communications campaigns to continue increasing visibility for the Arts Council and its constituency,” said Bruce, “I am very excited to have someone in place that is passionate about the arts and understands its significance in Silicon Valley.”

A Past President of the Ad Club of Silicon Valley, Mr. Russell currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for Friends of San Jose, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and delivering programs that enhance education, parks and recreation, the arts, and neighborhood pride.

Incorporated in 1983, Arts Council Silicon Valley is an independent, nonprofit arts agency dedicated to providing funding and advocacy support, and fundraising and marketing services, to the region’s arts organizations and artists. As the official state/local partner with the California Arts Council and the County of Santa Clara, Arts Council Silicon Valley is now the largest nonprofit arts council in the state. Over the past 10 years, the Arts Council has distributed nearly $7 million to local arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, schools, and community groups.