Deana Duncan, Executive Artistic Director

Deana joined WICA in 1999. Starting as a volunteer, she went on to serve as the Programming and Production Director for 16 years before assuming the role as WICA’s first Artistic Director in 2018 and stepping up in December 2021 as the Acting Executive Director

She was instrumental in the launch of the WICA Theatre Series and has since directed ten, and produced all of the 102 plays, in the series’ 20 year history. In addition to her work programming theatre, dance, music, art, and humanities events, she manages DjangoFest NW – one of the most respected gypsy jazz festivals in North America.

Deana holds a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University and a BFA in Theatre Arts and Communications from the University of Nevada, Reno. She studied directing with Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher during his tenure as Artistic Director at Intiman Theatre (Seattle) and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The Stella Adler Conservatory. Whidbey volunteer work includes two years as the Drama Chair for the Island Arts Council and board membership with Goosefoot Community Fund.  

Thank you to the WICA board and amazing staff for this vote of confidence. Deana is thrilled to be at the helm during this period of change that will create opportunities for WICA’s growth and future. “I truly believe that stories are the heartbeat of humanity and it’s a joy to help create safe space for great story. See you at the theatre soon!” 

Billy Tierney, Managing Director

Billy has been involved in the Arts since the late 90s, first as a student and performer of improvisation, then as an instructor for both performance improvisation and applied improvisation. His artistic pursuits have run parallel with his work in management; while he was performing and teaching regularly, he also managed a pizza restaurant followed by a poker room and then a customer service department in a grocery store. In 2009 these paths merged and he took a job using his skills in management in an artistic company: Ryan Stiles' The Upfront Theatre in Bellingham, Washington. First as their Artistic Director, then several years later as their General Manager, Billy began to understand the importance of the Arts in business settings and he was compelled to continue working in the Arts. In 2019 a family move from Bellingham to Whidbey Island necessitated a new search for fulfilling work and Billy joined the staff at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts as their Marketing Director. Two years into his work at the Center, he accepted a promotion into his current role as Managing Director. Billy continues to perform and teach improvisation, and has expanded his performance repertoire into stage plays. He finds great joy in writing and being creative, and loves making discoveries in work and in play. 

Tyler Raymond, Technical Director

Tyler Raymond has been WICA's Technical Director since the fall of 2005. He has played a pivotal role in shaping WICA’s technical execution of over 75 Theatrical Productions, and countless concerts and special events. Prior to coming to Whidbey he attended Berklee College of Music with a focus on Live music production, installed radio stations, and worked for a large scale event production company in Chicago.

Suzie Reynolds, Front of House Manager, Volunteer Coordinator

Suzie is a dedicated professional with over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In 2023, she joined WICA as the Front of House Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, where she orchestrates exceptional guest experiences while fostering a vibrant volunteer community. Beyond her role at WICA, Suzie volunteers as an EMT, showcasing her commitment to public safety. As a proud mother of three, Suzie balances her responsibilities, nurturing her family alongside her professional pursuits. In her spare time Suzie enjoys being outdoors, gardening, watching her chickens and a good cup of coffee in front of the fire while she watches her kids play.

Karen McInerney, Lead House Manager

Karen earned a Masters of Social Work from the UW. Her early career was in the federal, state and local levels managing programs for foster care, adoption, teen pregnancy and family planning.

Karen’s work with WICA began when the organization was still a dream for local arts collaborators. She Co-chaired the first auction, then became a volunteer. Following the first DjangoFest, she was put in charge of managing the merchandise and eventually became Lead House Manager. For the past 25 years, Karen has also worked as a manager at Best of the Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show. In addition to all that keeps Karen busy, she finds time to volunteer for Hearts and Hammers, school activities, and wedding hostessing.

Nicole Cilley, Finance Director

Mary Kimball, Remote Bookkeeper

Ryan Dean Egge, Development Consultant

Allyson Meyer, Marketing Associate

Lawrence Dietrich, Marketing Associate

Mark Hertica, Bar Manager

James Hinkley, Box Office Manager / Lasher Gallery Manager

Kevin Drake, Box Office Associate

Dana Linn, House Manager

Lauren Collins, Executive Admin. Assistant

David Churchill, Production Assistant

Jennifer Brenner, Facility Caretaker