Government Relations & Public Policy Ad Hoc Committee

Members

Gerad Ewing, Co-Chair
Jerry Gennaria, Co-Chair
Sam Fiorello
Beverly Isom
Mont Levy
Tino Ochoa, ex-officio 

Purpose

The Ad Hoc Committee on Governance, Independence & Public Policy (“Committee”) is
established by the Board of Commissioners to provide focused governance leadership, strategic
direction, and coordinated oversight in response to heightened legal, legislative, and reputational
pressures facing the Regional Arts Commission (RAC).

  • Protect RAC’s independence, statutory authority, and mission
  • Coordinate a unified Board-level response to ongoing external actions (audit activity,
    subpoenas, sunshine requests, and media scrutiny)
  • Develop and recommend forward-looking governance and legislative strategies, including
    structural options to safeguard RAC’s long-term autonomy and eDectiveness
  • This Committee operates as a time-bound, action-oriented governance body during a
    period of elevated institutional risk.

Duties

  • Review and guide RAC’s legal, legislative, and governance strategy
  • Provide real-time input and recommendations to the CEO and Board Chair
  • Advance formal recommendations to the full Board for approval
  • Assess current governance structures and identify vulnerabilities
  • Recommend enhancements to strengthen transparency, compliance, and oversight posture
  • Ensure RAC’s governance reflects best practices under heightened scrutiny
  • Monitor legislative developments impacting RAC
  • Develop proactive strategies
  • Define RAC’s institutional response strategy
  • Support development of a disciplined communication and decision-making framework at the Board level
  • Provide regular updates to the Board
  • Provide clear recommendation pathways for time-sensitive decisions

The Government Relations & Public Policy Ad Hoc Committee will meet weekly (transitioning from the existing Government + Legal Affairs meetings). Additional meetings may be convened as needed based on urgency. Meetings may include closed-session discussions consistent with legal and confidentiality requirements.