Governance

Sean Sroka, known for his confessional-style lyricism and modern folk sound, is the creative force behind Ten Kills the Pack. Growing up in Mississauga and honing his craft in Toronto, Sean has become a prominent figure in the indie music scene. His music, characterized by its deep intimacy and eloquence, explores the human condition through thought-provoking and relatable narratives.

Sean’s debut EP, Force Majeure, and subsequent releases like Life, Death & Afterwards and Thank You For Trying have garnered critical acclaim for their raw and unvarnished storytelling. His work seamlessly blends the ethos of punk rock with the calm and kindness of folk, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences.

Sean moved to the Quinte area in 2020. As a new Director on our board, Sean’s artistic vision and dedication to the arts will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and enrichment of the Quinte Arts Council. We look forward to the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives he will bring to our community.

Maribeth deSnoo is the owner of MB deSnoo Consulting, a Results Based Accountability Certified Business owner focused on fundraising, corporate partnerships, social sector children and youth Program Management.

Maribeth has over 35 years of experience in executive and nonprofit program management roles, delivering effective and impactful programs that address the needs and priorities of diverse communities. She is a fundraising veteran having built successful programs that included major gifts, special events, planned and annual giving, and capital campaigns, focusing on building donor and community relationships at both the Trenton Memorial Hospital and Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundations.

The annual audits of the HPELF regularly showed funds managed by The HPELF as over $2.14 million. Current contracts include the coordination of the Children and Youth Planning Table Hastings and Prince Edward counties, where she works with 35+ organizational leaders to develop and implement a work plan using RBA, that aligns with community strategic priorities. As well, Maribeth is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Quinte Sunrise and a Paul Harris Fellow, a ‘Women in Business’ finalist, and an Award of Excellence-Bravo Award winner for The HPELF’s ‘Agribition’ event.

Brit Johnston (she/her) is a theatre artist and creative producer from Genabaajing Anishinaabek/Serpent River First Nation, ON. She specializes in play development and production, festival/event management, and community engagement best practices. Brit has worked with notable arts organizations including the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA), Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA), National Arts Center (NAC) Indigenous Theatre, Ottawa Fringe, and the Atlantic Presenters Association (APA).

Andrea is the past Learning Support Coordinator for the Arts, Libraries, Literacy, and Technology at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. She supports Arts Education in Kindergarten through to Grade 12, connects classrooms to local artists, and facilitates opportunities for students to participate in gallery visits, cultural events, and performances in our community.

Andrea believes students should view and understand artistic expression from multiple perspectives and create for an audience beyond the school walls. The Arts surround us and creativity can be fostered and learned across all disciplines, so that our students will be able to value, question, generate, challenge, and extend ideas. She has recently been promoted to Vice Principal.

Andrea has worked with several organizations to co-plan student events such as the HPEDSB Bandfest, Annual Secondary Art Show at the Parrott Gallery, and the Downtown Belleville Student Art Show.  She is currently working on projects to support Indigenous arts and expression, and the use of technology to transform, document, and assess the creative process. Andrea has been on the QAC Board since June 2015.

Rick was born in Toronto and moved to the Quinte Region as a child. He graduated from BCI&VS, and has a diploma from Seneca College, a B.A. from Queen’s University, a B.Ed. from Nipissing University and an M.Ed. from Queen’s University.

Rick has been working part-time as a professor at Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology in Belleville since retired from Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board in 2015, after a 32-year career. As a secondary school teacher Rick taught Visual Art, Stage Design, Computer Art and Communication Technology. At Loyalist he has taught numerous media courses in Art and Design as well as Photography and Art general education courses.

Rick, along with his wife Dr. June Rogers, have an 80 acre farm in the Stirling area with horses, dogs and cats. He has been an Auxiliary Police Constable with the Ontario Provincial Police and is an active member of the Porsche Club of America – Upper Canada Region. He also plays blues harp in a rock band. Rick has been on the QAC Board of Directors since 2019.

Rachael grew up in Belleville having graduated from Bayside Secondary School. She obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa and Master of Accounting from Carleton University. She then obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2021.

Rachael is currently employed as a Senior Accountant at Wilkinson & Company LLP and also marks the cumulative final examinations for CPA Canada.

Rachael has always loved participating and lending a hand in community events and organizations. From a young age she volunteered with the Quinte Arts Council, the Lung Association, and Volunteer & Information Quinte. During her time at university, she participated in tax clinics to prepare tax returns for low income residents.

During her free time, she enjoys exploring the Quinte area through hiking, biking and going to live music events in the area.

Donna Davies is a long-time supporter of the local arts community. After graduating from Queen’s University, she worked at the Quinte Arts Council in the 1990s where she honed her skills in arts administration, event management and marketing. She also held the role of General Manager of Quinte Symphony. During her time with both organizations, she enjoyed working alongside artists, musicians, volunteers and arts enthusiasts, all with a common goal of enriching the Quinte arts community. 

While a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Donna established the Family Concerts series at the Belleville Public Library. The series ran for several years and presented affordable concerts for young audiences, with performances by professional artists from Jeunesses Musicales Canada.

Donna also devoted 12 years volunteering in various capacities and then as Co-Chair with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board’s Adventure Class, a multi-grade, experiential-based program with a focus on parental involvement. The Adventure Class enhances the delivery of the Ontario curriculum with visiting artists, guest speakers, community members, and field trips, emphasizing real-life discovery.

For the last two decades, Donna has worked in a Marketing role in the financial services sector. Arts education continues to be an area that interests Donna as she joins the Quinte Arts Council Board of Directors.