CAFAM’s staff is comprised of professionals who, collectively, have worked in 27 cities from Ljubljana to Tokyo; speak ten languages including Japanese and Ukrainian; and hold degrees in fields as diverse as international relations and anthropology. We do not just promote diversity, we personify it. 

Our dedicated, resourceful team is committed to inspiring cultural curiosity and understanding through an eclectic array of exhibitions, educational programs and workshops.

MARYNA HRUSHETSKA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Appointed Executive Director in 2005, Maryna has developed innovative, thought-provoking programs, which explore the social and cultural issues of our time through the universal lens of art.  An avid art collector and global thinker, Maryna has been responsible for developing original exhibits curated around both ideas and objects, including popular exhibits such as Street Signs and Solar Ovens: Socialcraft in Los Angeles, Sovereign Threads: A History of Palestinian Embroidery, and Mythical Creatures and Characters: Tales from Around the World. 

Prior to working in the arts, Maryna, who holds a Masters of Art in Global Affairs from the top-rated Thunderbird School of Global Management, worked as an advisor specializing in the developing economies of Eastern Europe. She has worked with the World Bank, the European Privatization and Investment Corporation (EPIC), and private hedge funds. Responding to her wanderlust, Maryna has lived in New York City, San Francisco, Moscow, Kyiv, Vienna, and London and has traveled extensively throughout the “emerging” world. Recognizing the power of art to build bridges between cultures and diverse communities, in a post 9/11 world Maryna chose to merge her business skills with her passion for cultural exploration. 

Her role model?  International art collector, financier, and philanthropist George Soros.

HOLLY JERGER
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS
This Education Director has been spotted using tools ranging from power saws to glitter and thinks that clear packing tape and drywall screws are two of the world’s most important inventions. During her first week at the museum Holly traveled to an artist’s studio to assist him in crating his work, was later seen resizing plywood pedestals, and ended the week by testing out paper maché for an upcoming workshop. Holly has a Master of Fine Arts degree (specializing in Printmaking) and 6 years of experience in art education. She has worked at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Fullerton Museum Center, and continues her work as a professional artist. She applies her talent and experience to bring the museum’s exhibitions to life and to make them an accessible learning experience. She also develops innovative workshops for both families and adults, and her students are always eager to sign up for the Holly’s next adventure.

AMANDA FREDRICKSON-BANKS
MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Inspired by the world of museums from an early age, Amanda Fredrickson-Banks is excited to join CAFAM as the new Marketing and Development Associate. Stints at the Phoebe Hearst Museum, History San José, the Oakland Museum of California, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, as well as her Master's in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University, have given her a broad range of professional experience. When not at work, Amanda loves visiting museums all over the world, from St. Petersburg to Shanghai, and learning more about history, art, and culture.

SONJA CENDAK
EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
With fluency in five languages, a Master's of Art History, and a Slovene-Croatian heritage, Sonja Cendak has a unique perspective on the importance of cultural understanding. As the Exhibitions and Publicity Coordinator, Sonja is the glue that holds the exhibition schedule together. She skillfully juggles the needs of artists, curators, and the director. Her discerning research illuminates the exhibition narrative in an accessible format. A former employee of LACMA and the Hammer Museum, Sonja brings seasoned expertise to our museum. Her coveted internship at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy exposed her to both Venetian cathedrals and Italian prosecco. Sonja’s savvy writing skills (and inherent charm) make her the perfect public face of CAFAM, and judging by our recent press coverage, she is doing a terrific job. Her hours away from the museum are usually spent at the beach on a board or hiking. 

LAUREN WATLEY
ADMISSIONS AND MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
The smiling face that always greets you at the Admissions Desk is Lauren. She graciously assists longtime members and first-time visitors alike. A student of anthropology, Lauren has traveled the world visiting countries such as Kenya, Japan, and Haiti. Lauren’s love of world cultures has greatly influenced her time at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. Working at CAFAM has allowed her to  “learn about people and places from around the world without having to travel out of LA.” When Lauren is not at the museum you can find her spending quality time with her dog or working on experimental sounds and film.

YUKO MAKUUCHI
GLOBAL MERCHANT
An enthusiastic and creative soul, Yuko is the heart of the Shop. Yuko has a degree in Art History and spent her early years in Tokyo running her own antique store. In the late 1990s, Yuko moved to California to further her career and to explore her artistic nature. A multitalented artist, Yuko is always designing jewelry, knitting, crocheting, or felting. She is also an accomplished photographer. Yuko enjoys traveling to exotic places and shopping in the local bazaars where she seeks out hidden treasures. She has used her many talents and wide experience to fill the Shop with unique merchandise. Her efforts were recognized by Los Angeles Magazine in the August 2006 “Best of LA” edition, where the Shop was voted one of the top museum stores in LA. When she is not working in the Shop, Yuko can be found teaching adult workshops on knitting, felting, or t-shirt design. On the personal side, Yuko has three very well behaved cats and her favorite colors are blue and yellow.

PHILLIP HUNT
SALES ASSOCIATE
After a successful career in the Navy, Phillip received his degree in Religious Studies. Phillip is an avid collector of folk art and antiques and has had his own antique bookstore and folk jewelry business. He has a knack for unearthing unique treasures wherever he goes. With his endless curiosity and luck, his collection expands every day. He collects Japanese ceramics, Japanese Hanga prints, Kokeshi dolls, Chinese Yuxing tea pots, and other eclectic items. Philip can be found in the Craft and Folk Art Museum Shop and is always happy to help patrons find the unique item that is perfect for them.