Meet the City of Santa Clarita Arts Commissioners

The City of Santa Clarita is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and thriving arts scene that enriches the lives of residents, artists and visitors alike. As part of this commitment, the Santa Clarita Arts Commission plays a vital role in advancing artistic and cultural initiatives throughout the community. Guided by the vision of being recognized as a “City of the Arts,” the commission actively works to enhance public engagement, support economic development through the arts and provide educational opportunities that inspire creativity and cultural appreciation. Contact the Arts Commission at artscommissioners@santaclarita.gov.

Dr. Michael Millar – Chairperson

A dedicated advocate for the arts, Dr. Michael Millar brings a wealth of experience to the Santa Clarita Arts Commission. As a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona since 2004, he has played a pivotal role in arts education and community engagement. Dr. Millar was the founding Chair of the Arts Commission from 2009-11 and previously directed the Entrepreneurship Center for Music at the University of Colorado. As a bass trombonist, Dr. Millar has performed with renowned artists such as Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His contributions extend beyond performance, as he has also worked extensively in arts administration and advocacy. Since moving to Santa Clarita in 1993, Dr. Millar has been deeply involved in the local arts scene, including serving on the City’s Arts Advisory Committee and working with the Santa Clarita Symphony. His passion for arts accessibility and economic impact continues to shape the City’s cultural landscape.

Susan Shapiro – Vice Chair person

Susan Shapiro has been a key figure in Santa Clarita’s media and arts landscape since arriving in 1993 to manage SCVTV, the City’s public television channel. With a background in English literature from Stanford University and a teaching credential from Arizona State University, she has combined education and media to amplify the voices of local artists and organizations. Her contributions include designing the SCVTV Media Center, fostering relationships with local schools and providing students with hands-on learning experiences in video production. Over the years, she has served on several local public service committees, including the Newhall Redevelopment Committee and the Santa Clarita Citizens Public Library Advisory Committee. Susan continues to shape Santa Clarita’s artistic and cultural landscape through her expertise in media and storytelling.

Patti Rasmussen – Commissioner

A long-time resident of Newhall, Patti Rasmussen is a passionate advocate for the performing and visual arts. A former education reporter for The Signal, she has been deeply involved in various youth and cultural arts initiatives. She co-founded the Theatre Arts for Children Foundation, played a key role in restoring the historic Newhall Elementary School auditorium and has served on the SCV Historical Society Board. Patti’s leadership extends to organizations such as the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival and the SCV Senior Foundation. Her belief in the power of the arts to shape a community is evident in her dedication to supporting local artists and cultural programs.

Jeri Seratti Goldman – Commissioner

With over 45 years in radio broadcasting, Jeri Seratti Goldman has been a cornerstone of Santa Clarita’s media landscape. She and her husband Carl Goldman own KHTS, Santa Clarita’s “Hometown Station,” which provides local news, traffic and community updates. Beyond broadcasting, Jeri has been actively involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, from founding the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for children’s cancer research to leading the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition. Her work in the arts includes organizing large-scale community events, chairing fundraising initiatives and spearheading projects like the Vietnam Traveling Wall tribute. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named Santa Clarita Valley’s Woman of the Year and receiving the prestigious Mother Gamelin Award for exceptional volunteerism.

Tracey Thompson – Commissioner

With a background in acting, dialogue coaching and writing, Tracey Thompson has been part of Santa Clarita’s creative community since 1989. She co-created the “Celebrate Uniqueness” school assembly program to promote diversity and self-expression among students. Additionally, she has been involved in arts education through Parent-Teacher Committees, talent shows and fundraising initiatives. A best-selling author, Tracey has also been an advocate for the dwarfism community and a leader in Little People of America. Her work with The Painted Turtle Camp, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses, showcases her dedication to inclusive and impactful arts programming.

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