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Our Proud Board Members

“We are proud to have the support of visionary leaders who believe in our mission and drive our growth. Their trust, guidance, and investment empower us to create lasting impact and achieve new milestones together.”

Jane Altman

Founder

Jane has a history of making history. As an artist she is written in the antique journals as formative artist for Libby Glass Division in Mt Pleasant, Pa. In the antique world she began a symposium that was later enveloped by the Southern California Collector Conference as a foundation to educate novice buyers on forgeries. As home and building restoration specialist, she was featured on HGTV for West Coast renovations and gave back to her Pennsylvania hometown by restoring the town’s most prominent blight (on the town’s square). In the fashion industry she introduced futuristic printing process and helped innovate the technology as needed to be utilized in the fashion industry. Jane has also been a business advisor and influencer for a broad range of industries and school related committees, veterans advocate. Graduate of Art Institute of Pittsburgh and University of Utah.

Roberta Faye Altman

Board Attorney and Secretary

Roberta is most known in the Pittsburgh region as lawyer for Commonwealth in the Department of Labor and Industry and Education Director for the Allegheny Legal Institute. Roberta has also served as a business teacher in high schools, proprietary business schools, and in colleges in PA, WV, TN, and OH. Her volunteer time includes acting as legal counsel for the Tea Party and Pregnancy Crisis Center. Her work history also includes entrepreneurial endeavors. Roberta has agreed to join the River Art Works board because, “ I think River Art Works has the ability to help Smithton revitalize as a thriving arts community under Jane’s direction.”

Douglas W Chew

Trustee Grant Advisor

Grant Specialist Commissioner Douglas W. Chew joined the River Art Works Board of Directors as Treasurer in December 2019. A Hempfield Area High School and University of Pittsburgh graduate, Doug also worked at the University of Pittsburgh as a faculty member for 26 years. As educator, Doug wrote grants, taught biochemistry, spearheaded research, and published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific pieces. Doug is most proud of his 1999 Chancellor’s Distinguished Public Service Award his volunteer work bringing advanced DNA experiments to local high schools. He served one term as auditor in Hempfield Township and elected twice as Chairman of District 5 of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee. Doug feels that the arts are what separates humans from the other animals; he brings a strong passion for music and all manner of arts to the Board.

Rena Palumbo Jones

Trustee Brand and creative advisor

Experienced board member with a passion for innovative, marketing and creative strategy. Known for driving brand growth through fresh ideas and strong collaborations. Dedicated to blending business insight with marketing vision to deliver results.