STAFF
Lisa McDermott, Executive Director & Curator
Lisa has been an active member of the region’s arts community for more than 25 years. With an MA degree in Art History and more than 15 years of experience in museums, she returned to her hometown of Turlock in 2001 to serve as the Community Arts Facilitator at the CAC.
Lisa managed the operations of the Carnegie Arts Center and the Turlock City Arts Commission from 2001-2009. Following the fire in 2005, she was responsible for coordinating the design process and fundraising for the new facility. When management of the CAC transferred from the City of Turlock to the Carnegie Arts Center Foundation in 2010, she joined the staff of the Foundation as Assistant Director, managing day-to-day operations. She was appointed Executive Director of the Foundation in 2014, taking on all curatorial and administrative responsibilities for the revitalized CAC.
Her commitment to community service has led her to work on several regional committees for public art, and she served a 6-year term on the Board of the California Association of Museums from 2018-2024. She has also taught Art Appreciation classes at the CAC and MJC. Her passion for the arts and education is central to everything she does.
Megan Hennes, Director of Education & Community Engagement
Megan has been a part of the Carnegie Arts Center since its reopening in 2011. After graduating with her B.A. in Art History from Humboldt State University she began her time at the CAC first as a curatorial intern and then as a weekend supervisor and curatorial assistant. After earning her M.A. in Museum & Gallery Studies from Kingston University, London, Megan returned to the CAC as the Programs & Membership Coordinator.
As Assistant Director, Megan oversees art classes and field trips, the Allen Family Member’s Gallery & Gift Shop, the CAC’s Volunteer and Membership programs, public programming, and community outreach. A few of her favorite accomplishments as Assistant Director include coordinating the launch and expanding on the CAC’s ceramics program, broadening public programs for all ages, and enhancing the CAC’s participation in community events.
Megan currently serves on the California Association of Museums Programs Committee and has also worked at the CSU Stanislaus Art Galleries and the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, ND.
In her spare time, she enjoys visiting museums, watching scary movies, and spending time with her family and dog. You may even find her taking a CAC art class!
Leah Silvestre Franklin, Director of Development
Leah is a respected organizational leader and brings a unique blend of strategic vision, passion for the arts, and a heart for community impact to the Carnegie Arts Center. After leading companies for two decades in the non-profit and education sectors, coupled with her M.A. in Business Administration, Leah is well known for her ability to build & deepen meaningful relationships and facilitate opportunities that align vision with resources.
Leah provides the CAC with expertise to support fund development strategy, donor stewardship & cultivation, and major donor initiatives; all in support of advancing CAC’s mission as a regional gathering place for vibrant engagement with the arts. Her leadership will help ensure CAC’s programs continue to thrive, impact the community, and touch lives across the generations.
Leah believes that the arts are vibrant threads that strengthen the fabric of our community, and their accessibility is more crucial than ever. She is grateful to be part of an organization that values creativity, inclusivity and the belief in arts for all.
Part Time Staff
Andrew Cain, Ceramics Studio Technician
Carla Contreras, Member & Visitor Services Assistant
Joseph Powers, Weekend Supervisor & Event Support Staff
Jazmin Ramirez, Bookkeeper & Office Manager
Ryan Villareal, Weekend Supervisor & Event Support Staff
Nic Webber, Preparator & Web Designer
Charles Wick, Weekend Supervisor & Event Support Staff
Arts Educators
Andrew Cain
Maggie Gonzales-Lomeli
Crystal Herrera
Dottie Lo Bue
Emma Lowe
Melissa Parga
Joseph Powers
Kathy Thomas
Zoe Toscano
(updated 05/2026)
