Board Members

G. Lee Baumgarten, Executive Director

Lee, a native of North Carolina, graduated from the prestigious Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio, where he later returned to teach painting, drawing and 3-D design through the mid 1980’s.

Since returning to Pineville in 1988, Lee has specialized in oil painting and sculpture. His work is represented in a vast number of private and corporate collections throughout the country. Some of his work is available locally in Charlotte and surrounding areas for viewing in public buildings such as Presbyterian Hospital, Matthews, NC, Wells Fargo Bank, (uptown) Charlotte; Carolina Medical Center (CMC), Charlotte/Main, CMC/Steel Creek, and two new works for the new Bed-Tower at CMC/ Pineville (opening in 2012). Within a short drive from Charlotte, several pieces of Lee’s work in oil, sculpture and mixed media can also be enjoyed at Spartanburg Regional Hospital, Spartanburg, SC.

Beyond his personal works, Lee has had a significant impact on the arts community, supporting emerging artists through several venues over the years. He maintained an art gallery, Gallery 237, for five years promoting regional artists and creating arts access for the local community. His balance of dedication to arts and civic organizations is evidenced by his past commitments as an Odyssey of the Mind coach, a precinct Chief Judge for the Board of Elections, and Co-Chair on the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Pineville. Lee often serves as judge for area art shows, art competitions and has created public art projects for Charlotte Center City Partners. As an example of Lee’s leadership, he is Project Manager of the 2011 “Chalk it Up” Street Art Competition in Uptown Charlotte, working with Charlotte Center City Partners to promote the ASC/Wells Fargo Community Celebration.

Lee gives back to the community with not only his time but also with his talents. He is an avid supporter through donation of his personal artwork to local charity auctions to support fund raising efforts by non-profit organizations such as the Mint Museum, UNCC Athletic Program, Charlotte Mission, CMC Neo-Natal Clinic, Relay for Life, local non-profits for the arts, and other local charities.
Since 2005, Lee has actively worked with the Town of Pineville and the Arts & Science Council to bring The Civic & Cultural Arts Center of Pineville, a viable cultural organization, to the public. His vision and dedication are apparent in the programs and classes he has created and continues to offer at the CCAC.

Always looking forward, Lee is launching South Coalition Carolinas (SoCo), a regional non-profit/ professional arts group, in early 2012. This organization will provide greater opportunities for area artists and arts organizations to present and promote their work.

“Art is the result of sifting an idea.” — Baumgarten

Gaye List, President/Board Chair

Gaye List is a native Charlottean who lives in Charlotte with her husband David. She is the Director of Proposal Development at Compass Group, the world’s largest contract food service provider, where she created a department of graphic professionals and project specialists to support sales in North America. She also serves on the Diversity Advisory Council at Compass Group. Her career is balanced with active participation in her church and time with her family. She is an active member of the community, holding previous board of director positions for Loaves & Fishes in Charlotte and the North Carolina Cooperative Education Advisory Council.

Gaye’s love for art and meeting the needs of children and families in the Mecklenburg County area have now come together as President and Board Chair for the Civic and Cultural Arts Center of Pineville.

Jayne Buckley, President Elect

Jayne was born in Derbyshire, England and emigrated to Canada after gaining her degree in Hospitality Management through the Hotel and Catering Institute of London. She lived in Vancouver, British Columbia before moving to the States in 2002.

As Vice President, she currently manages purchasing support for Compass Group , a multi billion dollar company with accounts throughout North America. Her primary focus is to coach, develop and train a large team that supports purchasing programs. She is also responsible for creating and driving corporate social responsibility initiatives, overseeing communications and a national call center. She has been with Compass Group for over 20 years, holding various positions including steering corporate quality initiatives, sales and managing contract retention of the highest volume accounts for Compass.

Jayne lives on Lake Wylie with her husband Tony. They have two children, a son who lives in Charlotte and a daughter who still lives in Canada. Over the years Jayne has been a very active member of many boards. She is a long time member of Beta Sigma Phi. Her passion for the arts and development of people’s natural talents has led her to her current role as President Elect for CCAC.

Carol Newman, Secretary

Carol Newman is an emerging artist with a background in Corporate Human Resources (HR). In December, 2002, Carol transferred with Time Warner Cable (TWC) to Charlotte, NC, from Aurora, Colorado. At TWC, she held various positions with the last one being Senior Manager, Employee Relations. In that position, she was responsible for company-wide, regulatory compliance in regards to employment. With an extensive background in employment law and HR information systems, Carol led a violation-free compliance program at TWC for 14+ years.

Carol joined the CCAC Board of Directors in January, 2009, and was the Chair of the Marketing, Events, Communications and Advertising committee. Carol assumed the role of Board of Directors Secretary in January, 2011. She is also a board advisor on the Volunteer and Technology committees. She is an active member and supporter of bringing arts to the community and is currently participating in the Artist Co-op of 314 Main. To learn more about Carol’s art work please visit her website at www.montagedesignworks.com.

Chris Hummer, Sponsorship Committee Lead

As President of Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville, Chris Hummer directs the strategic and operating activities of the 109 bed hospital. Mr. Hummer joined Carolinas HealthCare System in February 2006. Prior to CHS, he held hospital and physician group practice administration positions in Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Southern California, Minnesota, and Kansas.

Chris is a founding board member of the CCAC, a board member of the Morrison YMCA in Charlotte and a member of Leadership Charlotte’s Class 29.

Mr. Hummer is a 2008 recipient of Modern Healthcare’s Up and Comer Award which is given annually to those who have demonstrated decisive leadership and commitment to high-quality, affordable health and wellness in their communities. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Journalism & Mass Communications from Kansas State University and a master of healthcare administration from the University of Kansas.

Emily Lekoski, MECA Chairperson

Emily Lekoski joined the CCAC Board in January 2011 as Chair for the MECA Committee. This committee plans for events, marketing and communications for the organization. Emily is a lead project specialist for Compass Group in the Proposal Development Center. Her background includes sales and marketing for such entities as the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Gilbert Foodservice where she handled product lines such as Mrs. Smiths, Ocean Spray, and Keebler, and Appetizers, And Inc. featuring handmade hors d’oeuvres across the Carolinas. Special events were a common thread in all of these positions from trade shows, sales presentations, seminars, and training workshops.

Emily is also active in the community-at-large having served on the Board of the American Culinary Federation’s local chapter for 10 years in the Raleigh area. Currently, she is active with both the CCAC and Tosco Music Party, an event run 5 times a year to showcase new and emerging singer/songwriters.

Ken Roache, Facilities Committee

Ken has been with IKON/ Ricoh for more than 23 years, and assumed his current responsibilities there in June 2004. Prior to joining the IKON Carolinas team, he helped to establish the National Account Support Group (NASG) for the INAP program. Previously, Ken held the position of Director of System Sales for IKON Business Services in NC, where he managed the Color, High Volume and Printing Specialists. Ken’s experience is in office automation and outsourcing – a career that includes end-user and OEM sales experience. As the Manager of the Major/National Accounts sales team, Ken is responsible for management and leadership of the Charlotte team. He helps to maintain account focus and is responsible for bringing all local and corporate resources to major accounts in regards to all aspects of account operations including tracking and reporting of sales activity, installations, service performance, customer satisfaction, and issue escalation.

Ken is listed in the Outlook Global Address Book and can be reached via e-mail at ken.roache@ricoh-usa.com .

Ken joined the CCAC as Board Secretary in August, 2008 and moved onto the Sponsorship Committee in January, 2011, remaining as an active Board Member. He is an active member and large supporter of bringing arts to the community.

Jose Vasquez, Technology Chairperson

Jose Vasquez joined the CCAC Board effective January 2011 as Chair for the Technology Committee. Since then, Jose has made a positive impact on bringing computer access for participants at the CCAC.

Bill Brown

Bill Brown joined the Board of CCAC after being active in the organization for two years as participant, supporter and promoter of the CCAC. Bill began painting after a “Paint Til You Drop”, and joined the weeknight painting classes. He held his first art show in December 2011 which was extremely successful. He continues to bring much to the organization.

Keith A. Wood, Facilities Committee

Keith was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN and attended Butler University where he received a BS Degree in Business Administration. He later earned an MBA while successfully building and then selling a vending company which he ran for 15 years. In 2000, he began building custom homes with a group of business partners until 2007 when market conditions slowed and his wife was relocated to Charlotte, NC.

A self taught artist, Keith has painted over 25 works including oils, water color, and acrylics. His wife Bonnie participates on the MECA Committee at CCAC and his two children are involved at CCAC as well, volunteering and taking advantage of the wonderful programs offered to the community at large.

Bolyn McClung

Bolyn has served on the CCAC board since late 2010. He’s a resident of Pineville and lives near Lake Park. Active in community, he serves as Chair of the Pineville Board of Adjustments and was Co-chair of 2007 Mecklenburg bond committee that resulted in the passage of $516 million capital funding for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, CPCC, the libraries and parks. Member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Community Relations Committee. Operator of numerous website covering the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and local politics. Veteran U.S. Air Force.