In Memoriam: Board Member Katherine Cleveland

by Brenda Ching, Executive Director

Board member and dear friend Katherine Cleveland passed away in February after a long illness. Katherine was a beacon of light on the board. She served on numerous committees, including co-chair of the Conservatory Committee along with Mary Ann Changg. It was Katherine who introduced us to acting instructors Iris Klein and Scott Rogers. During her tenure on the board, Katherine was an active participant on the national background committee.

I remember the first time I met Katherine was on the set of Waterworld on the Big Island. I had flown over to address some of the concerns of the background actors. Katherine worked the entire run of the production and when she returned to Honolulu she came by the office inquiring more about her union. When a seat opened up on the board, she decided to run for office. That was in 1996. We will miss her presence and her valuable input and contributions. She enjoyed the challenging work on the board advocating for actors and keeping the Hawaii Local vibrant and relevant.

This item was originally featured in the April 2013 local newsletter.