Guiding a Vision for Future Generations

Meet the People Behind the Mission

Every thriving community is shaped by leaders who believe in the power of connection, creativity, and service. The PPA Board of Directors brings together decades of experience in education, business, government, nonprofit leadership, music, and community service—all united by a shared commitment to enriching life on the Wild Rivers Coast through the arts.

“The performing arts prepare students for success. Students learn to share and express their feelings. They build skills, confidence, and perseverance, and they learn to collaborate with partners from diverse backgrounds.”

Nick Rail

Nick Rail

Founder, Philanthropist, Music Education Advocate

Nick Rail is a lifelong champion of music education whose passion for helping young people discover their potential through the arts has impacted thousands of students across California.

Growing up in Del Norte County, Nick dreamed of joining the school band. Although money was tight, his parents found a way to scrape together enough to buy him his first cornet—a gift that changed the course of his life. That single act of sacrifice opened the door to confidence, purpose, lifelong friendships, and a career dedicated to helping young people experience the same opportunities through music.

After beginning his career as a band instrument repair technician, Nick founded Nick Rail Music in 1986. Over the next three decades, he grew the company from a single store into one of California’s leading school music dealers, serving hundreds of school music programs throughout the state. The company became nationally recognized for its commitment to music education and student success.

Following the sale of the business in 2019, Nick and his wife, Lisa, chose to dedicate a significant portion of their resources to giving back to the community that first inspired him. Together, they have provided hundreds of new musical instruments to local students, funded improvements to school performance facilities, supported music education initiatives, and founded Partnership for the Performing Arts.

Today, Nick serves as a driving force behind the Del Norte Performing Arts and Civic Center, a transformational project planned for the Del Norte High School campus in Crescent City. The Center will expand educational opportunities, strengthen community connections, and create a lasting legacy for future generations throughout the Wild Rivers Coast.

Nick’s vision remains simple: every child deserves the chance to discover their talents, build confidence, and experience the life-changing power of the arts—just as one affordable cornet did for him many years ago.

Our Board of Directors

Dance Educator

Sarah Valley

Sarah Valley is a graduate of Del Norte High School and the University of Utah. In 1978, she purchased Dance Art Studio in Crescent City and has spent decades helping generations of local students discover confidence, creativity, and discipline through dance. Her lifelong commitment to youth development and arts education makes her a valuable voice in shaping the future of the Center.
Educator

Diana Clark

Diana Clark served as an elementary school teacher in Del Norte County for 30 years. Throughout her career and after, she has been deeply involved in educational and performing arts organizations throughout the region. Her commitment to student success and lifelong learning brings an educator’s perspective to the mission of PPA.
Civic Leader

Rick Holley

Richard “Rick” Holley has spent his career serving local families through education, social services, nonprofit leadership, and local government. His experience includes work as a probation officer, nonprofit executive, Human Services Director for Del Norte Schools, City Council member, and Mayor of Crescent City. Rick brings decades of leadership and community-building experience to the organization.
Business Strategist

Sonia Gray

Sonia Gray is a business leader, entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in business strategy, technology, nonprofit administration, and organizational growth. A Southern Oregon native, Sonia has dedicated significant time to volunteer leadership and community service throughout the region while helping organizations navigate growth and change.
Federal and Civic Leadership

Candace Tinkler

A graduate of UC Santa Cruz and a credentialed California secondary teacher of English, Candace Tinkler’s federal career with the National Park Service spanned over 35 years of leadership in the Division of Interpretation and Education at seven national parks throughout the United States. Returning to Crescent City—the site of fond childhood memories as the home of her grandmother—she worked at Redwood National and State Parks before retiring. Candace has dedicated herself to supporting the future of the Wild Rivers Coast and its youth. A lifelong musician and advocate for arts education, Candace is also a member of several musical organizations and has spent years championing educational and cultural opportunities throughout the community. She is a Crescent City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem.
Community Leader & Journalist

John W. Pritchett

John W. Pritchett is a veteran journalist and businessman in Del Norte County. He was the general manager of Del Norte Ambulance for more than two decades. Prior to that, he served as the longtime editor of The Daily Triplicate newspaper. Today, he is the iconic voice of Del Norte High's football and basketball teams on KPOD FM. He was appointed by the governor to the Del Norte Fair Board in 2019, and also serves as a member of the Sutter Coast Hospital Board of Directors. He is a two-time president of the Crescent City Rotary Club and has been twice named Rotarian of the Year.
Attorney & School Board Member

Abbie Crist

A graduate of Del Norte County schools and UC Davis, Abbie Crist’s lifelong appreciation for the performing arts began through dance, choreography, and community theater. Following a distinguished 33-year legal career in Los Angeles, she returned to Crescent City and now dedicates her time and expertise to strengthening opportunities for future generations through education, arts, and community development. Abbie sits on the board of the local chapter of CASA and is a Del Norte County School District board member.
Educator & Theater Advocate

Marshall Jones

Marshall Jones is a Del Norte High School graduate, longtime educator, and founding member of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. His decades of service to local students and commitment to arts education have helped shape performing arts opportunities throughout the region.
Music Education

Christie Lynn Rust

Christie Lynn Rust devoted 30 years to music education as the vocal and instrumental music director at Del Norte High School. She founded the nonprofit Pacific Music Guild, including the North Coast Chorale, Tsunami Swing Big Band, and Pebble Beach Brass. Her career has inspired generations of musicians and arts advocates throughout the Wild Rivers Coast.
Music Educator

Kathleen Dickson

Kathleen Dickson is an entrepreneur and community advocate from Brookings, Oregon. She and her husband, Rich, own and operate OtterBee's Market, an online food buying club that connects residents with locally sourced organic and artisanal foods from throughout the region. Kathleen is actively involved in several nonprofit organizations focused on education, community development, and regional collaboration, and brings a passion for strengthening local communities and supporting opportunities across the Wild Rivers Coast.

Leadership in Service of Community

The strength of Partnership for the Performing Arts comes from leaders who generously share their time, expertise, and passion in service of our community.

Together, our Board of Directors is helping guide an organization that expands access to the arts, supports education, builds meaningful partnerships, and creates opportunities that enrich life across the Wild Rivers Coast.

Together, we’re investing in people, strengthening community, and shaping a vibrant future through the arts.

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