Meet Our Board
Joe Svisco, President
Joe Svisco is a passionate and versatile member of the Tallahassee theatre community, known for his work as an actor, director, and sound designer. He has performed and directed at both Making Light Productions and Quincy Music Theatre, where he served six years on the Board of Directors, including two years as President during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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By day, Joe manages a $2.4 million bookstore operation and works in Event Services at Florida State University. He is a Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM), with experience overseeing state and federal grants.
A familiar face both on stage and behind the scenes, Joe brings creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to the arts to his role on the Board of Trustees at Making Light.
Erin Gillespie, Vice President
Erin Gillespie brings more than 20 years of experience in government operations, economic development, and technology modernization to the Board of Trustees at Making Light Productions. She currently serves as part of the Presidio State of Florida practice, advising governments nationwide on digital transformation strategies. Erin previously held senior leadership roles at several Florida state agencies, including as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Economic Opportunity.
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A former board member of CareerSource Capital Region and a longtime community volunteer, Erin is passionate about creating opportunities for youth. As a proud MLP parent and supporter, she brings both professional insight and a strong personal commitment to the organization’s mission.
Cameron Garrett, Trustee
Cameron Garrett has been a valued instructor at Making Light Productions since 2017 and a passionate advocate for its mission. With over 27 years of experience teaching dance and more than a decade in theatre education and summer camp leadership, she brings extensive knowledge of arts instruction and youth development to the Board of Trustees.
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As both a teacher and a parent of two students who have flourished at Making Light, Cameron offers a unique perspective on the organization’s impact. Her deep commitment to inclusive arts education and her hands-on involvement make her a trusted and insightful member of the board.
Jeff Kahn, Trustee
Jeff Kahn is the Harry M. Walborsky Professor and Associate Dean for Business Law Programs at Florida State University College of Law. A respected scholar in federal tax law, he has authored several widely used textbooks, and has published extensively on a range of tax and legal topics. His teaching experience spans top institutions.
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Jeff is also a devoted supporter of the arts and of Making Light Productions. His son, Matthew, was involved as both a performer and volunteer, and Jeff and his family have been proud audience members at many productions. As a trustee, he brings deep legal expertise, a love of theatre, and a strong belief in Making Light’s mission to create inclusive and empowering arts experiences.
Julia Sloan, Trustee
Julia Sloan serves on the Board of Trustees for Making Light Productions, bringing with her a wealth of experience in business strategy and technology. She is an Associate Partner at IBM and holds master’s degrees in both Management Information Systems and Business Administration.
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With a deep belief in the power of the arts to inspire and empower, Julia contributes her expertise in organizational leadership, data-driven decision-making, and long-term planning to support Making Light’s mission of inclusive arts education. Her strategic insight and dedication make her a valued voice on the board.
Lane Wiliams, Trustee
Lane Williams serves on the Board of Trustees for Making Light Productions, bringing over 15 years of professional experience in auditing, accounting, and nonprofit finance. She is a Certified Public Accountant and currently the Director of Finance at the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers, where she leads financial operations and oversight.
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Lane previously served for over four years on the board of the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition, primarily as Treasurer. Her deep understanding of internal controls, especially in small-staff nonprofit environments, makes her a valuable asset to the financial health and governance of Making Light.
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Driven by a belief in equity and access, Lane is proud to support Making Light’s mission of providing an inclusive space for all artists to grow and thrive.
Juliet Yaques, Trustee
Juliet Yaques is the co-founder and Executive Director of Making Light Productions, where she has led the organization for nearly a decade with a strong commitment to inclusive, high-quality arts education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Florida State University and previously served as a Project Manager with the Social Security Administration for over 27 years.
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As the parent of a young adult with autism and cognitive disabilities, Juliet brings a vital perspective to the board on accessibility and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for artists of all abilities. Her leadership continues to guide Making Light’s mission and growth as both Executive Director and member of the Board of Trustees.