These new board members reflect a shared passion for ensuring that self-expression through the arts is accessible to all members of our growing communities.”

Connie Whitlock | WHAM executive director

Surprise-based WHAM Center for the Arts hoped to deepen its impact in the West Valley by welcoming two community leaders to its board of directors.

Roxy Garcia and Christina Panaitescu, who have ties to Peoria and Glendale, respectively, are adding to the art center’s reach across the region.

Garcia, a community impact specialist for Credit Union West and a board member of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, and Panaitescu, the community partnership program manager with the city of Goodyear, were officially inducted into WHAM’s board on Aug. 1.

“I am thrilled and grateful that the mission of WHAM is reflected in the diversity of our board of directors,” WHAM Executive Director Connie Whitlock said. “Our outreach spans the entire West Valley, and these new board members reflect a shared passion for ensuring that self-expression through the arts is accessible to all members of our growing communities. We have been building strong connections with the West Valley Cities for years through our WHAM on Wheels programs and our work with veterans.”

Garcia and Panaitescu join current WHAM board: Chair Lisa Platt, Secretary and Treasurer Margaret Lieu, Kevin Perry and Whitlock.

The art center is hoping to take another step in its ongoing attempt to make the arts an essential part of life in the West Valley.