MEET THE YASD STAFF
Hilliard Harper
Executive Director
hilliard@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 111
Hilliard Harper has been executive director of Young Audiences of San Diego (YA) since 1989. He has 30+ years of experience as an arts journalist and executive. His most vivid memories of elementary school in Mississippi are the weekly music classes and the theater, music and dance assemblies. With the widespread loss of elementary school arts classes as an unintended consequence of California's Prop 13 tax reform, Hilliard sees Young Audiences as an essential force in restoring arts education for all. When not working to reinstate the arts as a basic part of education, Hilliard likes to bicycle, swim, play racquetball and bridge (separately) and run with Tahoe the Wonderdog.
Sherrie Brown
Program Manager
sherrie@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 114
Sharon Brown has a Bachelors degree in Communications from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. Prior to coming to Young Audiences, she was Promotions Coordinator at Seaport Village, a specialty shopping center in San Diego.
Jennifer Oliver
Program Manager
jennifer@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 113
Jennifer Oliver: Graduated from UC, Irvine with a BA in Dance and is currently earning her MA in Expressive Arts Therapy. She served as the Program Director and Acting Executive Director for City Moves! prior to merging with Young Audiences. For Young Audiences, Jennifer is the Education Director and a Master Teaching Artist. In the San Diego community Jennifer also works as a Professional Dancer and Choreographer, Board President for BOUND: contemporary dance and is an active member of the Emerging Leaders for the Commission for Arts and Culture.
Crystal Mercado
Assistant Education Director
crystal@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 115
Crystal Mercado is a graduate from Arizona State University's Theatre for Youth MFA program. She has worked as a community-based artist, stage manager, director and teaching artist for organizations and individual projects in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego County and Tijuana, B.C., MX. She received her BA in Theatre from San Diego State University.
Leo Willets
Accountant
619/232-0722
Following graduation from the US Naval Academy, Leo became a navy pilot and served 20 years in the Navy before retiring to San Diego with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children.
He was a Logistic Engineer at Sundstrand Power Systems prior to becoming a bookkeeper for several nonprofit organizations. He enjoys dancing, watching soccer, and volunteering at his church.
 In Memoriam
Carol Smith
1931 - 2008
Family and friends of Carol Smith were stunned by her sudden passing in September 2008. Carol, who volunteered with Young Audiences since the early 1990s, was like another staff member. Besides her gift of time and sharing a lifetime of know-how and expertise, Carol brought light and energy in her regular visits to volunteer.
Carol possessed a great curiosity and respect for all. Her wry sense of humor, her wisdom, her wit, her interest in the arts and current events enlivened conversations.
From reconciling the checkbook monthly, to helping with the artist showcases, and big mailings, as our Number 1 volunteer Carol did a bit of everything. Carol’s bright mind and skills at wordsmithing sharpened many a grant proposal, and her wisdom and point of view on sensitive issues were often solicited before making a decision.
In so many ways Carol made us better people and Young Audiences a better organization. Carol, we will treasure your memory always.
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