Clear Space Theatre ushers in new board members and officers
The Clear Space Theatre board of directors has announced its new officers and members for 2021.
Donna L. West said she is honored to be named the board chair. Her executive team consists of Laura Mason, vice chair; Brian Ellis, treasurer; John Pitchford, secretary; and Kelsey Murphy, at-large member. Returning board members are Judy Rayner, Sharon Mack and Lou Katz. As Clear Space Theatre continues to grow, so does its board of directors, now with four new members, Jay Allen, Ali DiSabatino, Mark Hunker and Megan Nehrbas.
“Each new member brings their unique perspective and experiences which will help propel the theater forward during these challenging times. They bring a love of live theater and an appreciation for the theater's past, present and future goals. 2021 is going to be a great year for the arts in Rehoboth Beach,” said West.
Jay Allen has been owner and executive chef for Elegant Plate Personal Chef Service for five years. He was a chef at a(MUSE.) restaurant, the Buttery, and Crust & Craft. A graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, he earned a master’s in Italian cuisine from the Italian Culinary Institute in Calabria, Italy. Before that, he was a senior design engineer for Weyerhaeuser Corp. in Tampa, Fla., where he also owned two companies. Jay and his wife Vicki have lived in Rehoboth since 2010 and have been married for 31 years. They have one daughter and a granddaughter who live in Virginia Beach, Va.
Ali DiSabatino is a proud owner and founder of three Lewes restaurants, Striper Bites, Half Full and Kindle. In 1997, she graduated from Florida State University with a degree in management information systems, leading to a five-year career as an e-commerce consultant for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. In 2001, she moved to Delaware where she and her husband Matt opened Striper Bites, followed by Half Full and Kindle. A few of her responsibilities include handling accounts payable, preparing taxes and managing payroll. When she is not crunching numbers, she very much enjoys time with Matt and their three children, Mya, Julia, and Mitch, as well as reading and yoga.
Mark Hunker is president and CEO of Victor42 cybersecurity firm in Washington, D.C. His successful 30-year career included leadership in the private sector and for government contracting corporations. He was chief of staff for the White House Office of Personnel Management during the during the Clinton administration.
Megan Nehrbas is the senior geographic information systems manager for Sussex County government in its information technology division. She leads a diverse and award-winning team of innovators. She developed a love of theatre at the age of 4 when her grandmother took her to her first Broadway show, “Phantom.” Nehrbas is mother to three Clear Space Arts Institute students who have grown more confident and developed strength of character through the program. She said she looks forward to serving on the board to express her thanks for the great work Clear Space is doing for area youth.
