Michael A. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer
After several years with Walt Disney organization, Ringling Bros., Radio, Television, and various Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Mike became the Managing Director of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood California while serving on the host committee of the Hollywood 100th anniversary celebrations. While Managing Director, Mike leads the operating and construction teams through a $30 million renovation while continuing operations within the hotel. Shortly after Roosevelt’s grand reopening, Hilton Hotels Hawaii offered the position to relocate to Hawaii as Director of Marketing for the rebranding of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and opening of the Ali’i Tower.
Upon arriving in Honolulu, Mike embarked on repositioning the Hilton Hawaiian Village; the opening of the new Ali’i Tower, and oversight for three other Hilton properties in Hawaii which led to an opportunity with his own event-destination management company providing meeting and convention services and producing special events. Mike has worked with a variety of partners in the Hawaii travel industry, producing events such as the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in Kona, Ko Olina Triathlon, and working with the Ko Olina resort master developer’s multimillion-dollar plans for a world-class resort.
After years of traveling to and from Volcano, Mike commenced building a home with plans to become an active member of the Volcano community. Joining the Volcano Art Center team is truly an excellent opportunity to support the many varied artists in Volcano while contributing to the center’s future.
Emily Catey Weiss, Director of Development and Galleries 
Emily has years of experience coordinating public art programs and exhibits. She earned a B.F.A. from Ohio State University in 2000, which paved the way for Emily Catey Photography, LLC, which she ran successfully in Hale’iwa on Oahu’s North Shore before moving to the Big Island in 2009. From 2004 to 2009 she was involved in various civic, business and state organizations in the revitalization of Honolulu’s Arts District. She also served as President of the Hale’iwa Arts Festival. She joined VAC as Program Director in 2009. Since then, she has held various positions within the organization. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that cultivating, sustaining, and celebrating the arts is essential to a vibrant community.
Jenette Goss, Program Director
Jenette grew up in Honolulu spending a great deal of her time building her small business. In the late 1980s, her business brought her to Hilo. Owning her own business provided her with the opportunity to meet many people, travel, and experience a variety of world cultures throughout the USA, Asia, and Europe. She joined the VAC staff in 2015 and her ability to adapt has afforded her the opportunity to become proficient in several VAC positions. As of February 2021, she is the VAC’s Program Manager, responsible for the coordination, and marketing of the community educational programs, classes, and workshops. She also updates the VAC’s website, advertises VAC services in a variety of media outlets to include but not limited to local news and tourist informational sources. Jenette enjoys working and meeting people. She manages the membership, sales, and inventory of the Rainforest gallery, and assists with VAC’s special programs and functions.
Shelby Weitz, Gallery Manager
In 2017 Shelby graduated from Cottey College with a Baccalaureate degree in English and a Minor in Fine Arts and headed back to her home in Hawaiʻi. Shelby joined VAC in March 2020. She started as a sales associate and quickly worked her way up to inventory specialist, then assistant manager, and was promoted to gallery manager in August 2022. She currently monitors and controls inventory in both gallery locations and online on VAC’s website. Shelby is passionate about the organization’s mission and enjoys encouraging artists to use their artistic expression to authentically perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
Chris Albus, Packing & Shipping Handler
Claire Nolan, Inventory Procurement Specialist & Sales Associate
Claire was born and raised on the East Coast but has been a Hawai’i resident since the 1980s. She has always possessed a great appreciation for art and artists. On her travels in Southern France and Italy, she recognized how the natural landscapes inspired the masters. She joined VAC’s gallery sales team in 2001, shortly after moving to Volcano from Maui. She especially enjoys sharing the inspiration behind the artwork with residents and visitors.
Cristina Pineda, Cultural Events & Digital Content Specialist
Cristina, a Santa Fe native, moved to Maui in 2005 after earning her B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Her New Mexico roots, steeped in a rich art scene, laid the foundation for her future path. After 15 years of teaching and coaching running on Maui and the Big Island, Cristina and her partner of 20 years, Matt Holton, built their off-grid tiny home in 2019. She joined the Volcano Art Center Gallery in 2023, blending her YouTube storytelling skills with her love for community engagement. Cristina documents all gallery events, including monthly hula performances, supporting the gallery’s mission to develop, promote and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii’s people through the arts and education.
Margaret Clowe, Sales Associate
Margaret Clowe has been an integral part of the Volcano Art Center Gallery team since 2018. Born and raised in Kailua, Oʻahu, Margaret brings the true essence of aloha spirit to her work every day. Her passion for the islands’ rich cultural heritage shines through in her interactions with customers, where she delights in sharing stories about her hometown and the art that surrounds her. Margaret’s friendly demeanor and wealth of local knowledge make her an invaluable asset to the gallery. She takes great joy in connecting with customers from all walks of life, ensuring that each visitor leaves with not just a piece of art, but also a piece of Hawaii’s heart. When not at the gallery, Margaret cherishes her role as a proud grandmother, embodying the strong family values that are so central to Hawaiian culture.
Claudia Schonbrod, Inventory Entry Specialist
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Claudia earned her BFA in Contemporary Photography in 2015 and later pursued an Artistic Master’s degree in Contemporary Photography and Personal Projects in Madrid, Spain. After moving back to Peru in 2017, Claudia expanded her skill set by earning her BFA in Graphic Design in 2021. She gained extensive experience working in several Fine Art Printing Labs throughout Lima, where she developed her expertise in fine art paper, framing, and digital development.
A turning point in Claudia’s life came when she met her husband, Eli, during his travels across South America. This connection led her to the stunning island of Hawai’i, where she fell in love with its culture and rich heritage. Hawai’i’s deep connection to land, traditions, and community resonated with Claudia’s own values and artistic background. Claudia joined the Volcano Art Center in September of 2022 as a volunteer, and by 2024, she began working as a Web Specialist. Claudia’s skills in creative visual storytelling, attention to detail, and understanding of cultural narratives help to communicate the essence of VAC’s mission effectively.
Roxane Phitides, Sales Associate