Andrea Noble has been the Executive Director of the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) since 2016, where she helped lead the organization through its transition to a public corporation. She first joined ASCA in 2006 as the Public Art and Visual Arts Program Director. Originally from western Canada, Andrea moved to Alaska in 1998, bringing with her a deep love for the arts and a commitment to education.
Prior to joining ASCA, Andrea worked as an educator with the Anchorage School District and served as Curator of Art Education at the Anchorage Museum, an experience she credits as a key turning point in her career. She holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Arts Education from the University of British Columbia and another in Visual Arts from the University of Western Ontario. Outside of work, Andrea's passion for cultural diversity and expression extends to her studies in French and Japanese and her background in Tae Kwon Do.
Laura Forbes is the Arts Education Program Director at the Alaska State Council on the Arts, where she oversees grants, facilitates the Alaska Poetry Out Loud program, and supports performing and visual arts statewide. With over 20 years of experience in the public and nonprofit arts sectors, Laura is an experienced arts administrator, program developer, and educator.
Her passion for the arts was shaped by her upbringing in community performing arts, fostering a lifelong appreciation for creative expression. Laura holds a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Alaska Anchorage and earned an M.Ed. in Integrated Teaching through the Arts from Lesley University in 2012. She continues to advocate for the arts through her role as Board Secretary for Arts Northwest. Laura's dedication to the arts community is evident in her ongoing efforts to promote arts education and creative opportunities throughout Alaska.
Charlie Sears, a lifelong Alaskan from Anchorage, is the Community Arts Program Director at the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA). His early passion for filmmaking led him to a successful career in the film industry, including work on the film Big Miracle starring Drew Barrymore. With over a decade of experience as a film editor, Charlie has earned a Northwest Regional Emmy®.
In addition to his film career, Charlie is dedicated to supporting the arts and community. He founded a non-profit to bolster independent filmmaking in Alaska and played a pivotal role in raising over a million dollars for the Alaska Children's Hospital. Recognized for his efforts, he was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the Alaska Journal of Commerce in 2018. As Community Arts Program Director, Charlie manages grants, supports community arts organizations, and oversees key initiatives like the Alaska Governor's Arts and Humanities Awards.
TeShawn "Tey" was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, where she completed her education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and Business Management with a minor in Dance in 2021. During her college years, she managed her own business as a dance instructor and choreographer at TMAJ Dance Studio, blending her passion for dance with entrepreneurship.
Tey has also worked for the State of Alaska, including at the Public Health Lab, where she contributed to Covid-19 response efforts, and the Department of Transportation, where she managed budgets for various departments. In her free time, she enjoys teaching and performing hip-hop and other dance styles. The rhythm and creative expression of dance are what motivate her to stay active in the art form.
Lisa joined the Alaska State Council on the Arts in 2025 as an administrative assistant where she is able to combine her skills as an artist, administrator and digital marketing specialist.
Lisa has had an active career in the a cappella industry as a vocalist, beatboxer, as well as founder and manager of Pipeline Vocal Project, an award-winning a cappella trio. As a musician, Lisa acts as a Cultural Ambassador for the Department of State and has traveled around the globe on the platforms of female empowerment and inclusivity to promote international diplomacy, and cultural affairs. In 2022, Lisa received an Honorarium Award from the Alaska Legislature for her dedication to cultural perseverance and music education.
Beyond her work as a performer, Lisa has a keen understanding of branding, digital marketing, and administrative systems which has made her an asset to both her own ventures and various arts organizations she works with. Lisa loves to utilize her skills & experiences to navigate the intersection of creativity and business.
161 Klevin Street, Suite 102 Anchorage, AK 99508-1506
Telephone: 907-269-6610 Toll-free: 1-888-278-7424
Fax: 907-269-6601 TTY: 1-800-770-8973
asca.info@alaska.gov
