PAT BLAND, board president

2020 Roblan of the Year | Grandmother Extraordinaire

A graduate of UC Davis in Ag Economics and Business Management, Pat retired from a 36-year banking career in Paso Robles in November 2014. Pat has become busier than ever as a grandmother of 6 and Paso Robles community volunteer.

In addition to serving as the Board President for the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center, Pat also serves as the Board Treasurer for Rec. Inc. and Treasurer for Swim Paso Association Inc.

Pat is a former Board member for the Boys & Girls Club and served in various capacities as Treasurer and Secretary. In addition to volunteering for many local community non-profits over the past 41 years, Pat has also volunteered with other non-profit organizations, including Hotline of SLO, Paso Robles Co-Op Preschool, North County Aquatics, Boy Scout Troop 60, Safe & Sober Grad Nite, and United Way-Financial Literacy.

To all of these groups, Pat brings collaboration, enthusiasm, financial management, problem-solving, and experience in the non-profit sector. Pat enjoys spending time with her kids and 6 grandchildren, going to hot yoga, and working on getting more stamps on her passport.

The Youth Arts provides local kids the gift of the arts. As a Youth Arts Board member, she is dedicated to continuing the stewardship and fulfillment of our founder, Donna Berg’s dream–providing accessible visual and performing arts classes in a safe and nurturing environment!

MIKHAIL GANNAGE, vice president

Master Craftsman | Passionate Mentor

Mikhail is a father to four children ranging from 25 to 10 years old. He has been a part of this community for 45 years. His children have been involved with the Youth Arts since 2015. Mikhail understands that helping provide guided outlets through the arts helps the young citizens of tomorrow bring shape to the dreams of their youth.

Mikhail has owned and operated Gannage Design and Construction for the last 22 years. The Gannage Family has been involved in property development for three generations. Making smart investment choices is something Mikhail is passionate about, and it shows in how he guides his clients with their real estate investments and the Youth Arts family with all their wonderful children and staff. He currently employs local graduates from Paso Robles High School and has a passion for reaching and empowering the local youth.

In Mikhail’s free time he coaches a high school speech and debate team, tends to his ranch, and enjoys taking his wife, Keena, and two daughters on outings throughout this beautiful place we live. You might catch Mikhail in Cayucos doing something else he loves; surf fishing.

​SUE BENITEZ, Treasurer

Financial Expert with a Green Thumb

Sue has lived in Paso Robles since 2005, having returned to California with her husband, after many years in Maryland. She attended UCLA and George Washington University, Maryland.

Sue had a robust career of 35 years as co-owner with her husband, of a successful small software development and consulting firm. After relocating to Paso, Sue has devoted her energy to volunteer activities for a number of Paso Robles area civic and non-profit agencies. Currently, she uses her expertise to help institute upgraded financial processes for the Youth Arts, as well as assisting in grant and management activities. Sue was recognized as a nominee for the Women’s Wall of Fame in 2017, an annual award sponsored by the SLO County Board of Supervisors “in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community”.

Current volunteer activity at the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center:

Since 2011, Board member and Chief Financial Officer. In addition, serves on the Board Executive Committee, providing as-needed guidance to the staff Directors.

Previous volunteer positions:

• For the Traditions Homeowners Association, Paso Robles, has held several positions including Board member, Treasurer, and Finance Committee chair–10 years.
• Appointed to the SESLOC Supervisory Committee for a two-year term. The Committee reports to the Board of Directors and is charged with protecting SESLOC members’ interests and ensuring the assets of the credit union are safeguarded.
• Appointed as member of the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury for a one-year term.
• Treasurer and Board member of the Paso Robles Friends of the Library–4 years.
• Various volunteer positions at the Paso Robles Library–3 years.

GWEN SEVERSON, Board Member

Real Estate Wizard

Gwen has lived in Paso Robles for 23 years with her husband Dave. They have two children, Emma and Nolan, both of whom attended the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center when they were young. Gwen is a Business Economics graduate of UCLA and has worked in business sales and marketing since she graduated.

After relocating to the Paso Robles area, Gwen got into Real Estate and started her business and her commitment to the community. Raising her children in the Paso Robles Public Schools allowed Gwen to be involved in the classrooms that they were in, but also be a part of school site councils. She volunteered as an Art Docent in the classroom throughout their elementary school years, and she served on the Board of the Paso Robles Education Alliance Board for 5 years, raising much-needed funds for teachers and students in the district.

In addition to her role on the Board of the Youth Arts, Gwen currently also serves on the Board of Success Charities and is Chair of the Swim Paso Association. She has a passion for helping the youth in the community, be it through the arts, sports, or the education system. “The Youth Arts is an incredible place for children to explore so many areas of the arts in a supportive and creative environment that compliments their academic learning in school. San Luis Obispo County is fortunate to have such a magical place serving so many children, and hopefully, it can continue to gain momentum and support to serve more children for years to come.“

JOSEPH FERRELL, Board Member

GENE RUNKLE, Board Member

BRYNN DIAZ, Board Member

Brynn, formerly Berg, spent many family trips in Paso Robles at her grandparent’s ranch commuting between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. As a teenager, she remembers her grandparents, Bob and Donna Berg, laying the foundations of Paso Robles Youth Arts and their pride in giving back to their community. Inspired by a family love of the arts, she completed her undergraduate studies in Comparative Literature, Philosophy, and Art History at the American University of Paris and the University of Cape Town, returning home for her master’s Degree in Psychology at Pepperdine.

Brynn has a 10+ year career in Human Resources, specializing in founder-led and ethically-driven DTC and retailers, constantly seeking better ways to engage and sustain mutually beneficial business relationships between colleagues, customers, community, and the environment. Passionate about volunteerism, public schools, and accessibility, Brynn brings an activist, organizer, and equity lens to her work and her life.

Brynn and her husband, Quique, moved to her grandparents’ hometown in 2021, where they lived with their two kids and two dogs. She is honored to be part of the board, continuing her grandparents’ legacy at Youth Arts, and hopes to make them proud.