Merrily Talbott

Executive Director of Paonia Players

Merrily Talbott is an award-winning actor and theatre educator with over 30 years of experience teaching and directing. She graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education where she was a member of the Original Cast, a Broadway musical revue troupe. She founded Paonia Players in 2001 with their first musical theatre production, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and has since directed over 40 productions from Denver to Paonia.

Christophe Jospe

President, Board of Directors
General Partner for CAL Management Inc.

Christophe brings organization management and strategic thinking experience, while also being a vocal advocate for the power of performing arts in our community. He has participated in several Paonia Players productions and classes and is a fierce champion of our organization.

Oana Ford

Treasurer, Board of Directors
Principal Business Analyst at Oracle America

Oana is a PhD economist by training and brings her love of numbers and analytics to help with budget-making and advising on financial matters. Realizing that grants are essential for any organization, but even more so for a small, rural, and growing non-profit such as ours, she is also involved in grant research and fundraising.

Christy Eller

Secretary, Board of Directors
Owner Wired Right Web Design

Christy brings her entrepreneurial spirit and extensive technology expertise to facilitate the Paonia Players website, social media, online ticket sales, online program sign ups, donations, communications, and more! Christy was a founder of two schools in the North Fork Valley and served on both of their Boards for many years. Her daughter grew up being part of Paonia Players programs, and is now a successful performer in New York City!

Brad Tonnessen

Member, Board of Directors
Lead Scientist at CSU Agricultural Center in Hotchkiss

Brad is a talented performer who is dedicated to Paonia Players’ success backstage as well as on stage.

Christen Koerner

Member, Board of Directors
Stay at Home Mom

Christen is a very talented visual artist, delivering high quality and attractive program and event posters for the organization, and supporting our productions by performing onstage, as well as handling backstage details. Her kids also participate in Paonia Players events.