Appointments to the Oregon Cultural Trust Board, Feb. 23

Gustavo Morales, a nonprofit executive from Ontario, and Niki Price, director of the Lincoln City Cultural Center, have been appointed to the Oregon Cultural Trust Board of Directors by Gov. Kate Brown. The appointments were confirmed by the Oregon Senate on Feb. 16 and bring the board to a full complement of 11. “We are extremely fortunate that two such passionate and dedicated cultural advocates have committed their talents to the Cultural Trust,” said Trust Board Chair Carole Morse. “We also welcome their perspective as strong representatives of two rural but vibrant Oregon communities.” Morales is currently the executive director of EUVALCREE, a Latino-based organization in Ontario, Oregon, that is focused on developing the social capital and leadership capacity of underrepresented populations. He also is a consultant for the Northwest Cooperative Development Center. He is completing his master’s in business administration through Boise State University and holds a bachelor’s in psychology with a neuroscience emphasis from Pacific University. “This appointment is a welcome opportunity to share and shed light on my culture, way of life, and community in Eastern Oregon so that we may learn to embrace our differences and use our cultures as assets rather than be the reason why we are torn apart,” said Morales. Price has led the Lincoln City Cultural Center since 2011. She also serves as the volunteer co-chair of the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition and on the boards of the Siletz Bay Music Festival and the Walter R. Behrens Foundation. She previously spent seven years as the editor and co-owner of Oregon Coast Today, an arts and entertainment weekly. Price graduated with honors from University of Arizona with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in English literature, theatre and humanities. “I am deeply honored to be asked to serve my state and industry by contributing my time to the Oregon Cultural Trust,” said Price. “I look forward to serving with this impressive group of volunteers, and meeting other like-minded advocates in Oregon, as we all strive to make our home a more beautiful and meaningful place to live.” Morales and Price will attend their first Cultural Trust board meeting March 17 in Astoria.