Meet the Executive Board!

George Garrett III is a local artist based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to fostering creativity and community in the arts. He serves as the Executive Director of Cali Commons, a nonprofit art organization, and is the President of the Omaha chapter of ANAC (Association of Nebraska Art Clubs). He also sits on the planning committee for Creative Mornings Omaha, helping to cultivate a vibrant creative network. As the sole proprietor of ArtbyKreation, George showcases his work at the Old Market Artist Cooperative Gallery and is a District Partner of the Castle & Cathedral Art District. He is also a resident artist at the Hot Shops Art Center, further embedding himself in Omaha’s dynamic arts scene. Through his artistic practice and community engagement, George continues to champion opportunities for local and emerging artists.

Kelli Sweet is a local artist, creative collaborator, and retreat facilitator behind the brands Degrees by Kelli and Hibernate & Create. In addition to her full-time sales role in corporate America, she serves as Secretary of the Board for Cali Commons, a community-focused creative space. You can often find her creating art at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska, or off on her next travel adventure.

Gretchen is a lifelong maker with a passion for painting, design, and the occasional carpentry project. She works as a Senior Business Analyst in the corporate world and serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board at Cali Commons, where she helps support a thriving creative community.

Historically her artistic focus is acrylic on canvas, and many of her current projects are functional pieces designed for her home. She also serves on the Equality Fund of the Omaha Community Foundation and is a proud, active member of the Omaha community. When she’s not creating, she enjoys time with her wonderful family and finding new ways to stay involved.

As a member of the Executive Board and the Website Administrator for Cali Commons, Chris Foss combines technical skill with a passion for the arts and community connection. A program manager and engineer by trade, he entered the local arts scene as the light and sound director for a community variety show and as a volunteer coordinator for high school marching band competitions. A writer and arts enthusiast, he is drawn to exhibitions and performances that explore how people experience and express the world around them. His involvement with the gallery enabled a deeper participation in the arts community, including support for events like the Tiny Art Show.

A mission-driven leader with over twenty years of experience guiding organizations through strategic planning and growth, he brings a disciplined, people-centered approach to board service — helping non-profits build the sustainable structures that let their creative vision flourish. A retired military officer and senior technology leader, Patrick has a strong track record of responsible stewardship. He’s active in the Omaha community through CreativeMornings Omaha, AFS-USA, and the Omaha Walking Club, and believes have a unique power to expand how we think and see the world. While not a working artist himself, Patrick is a lifelong admirer and supporter of the arts.

An attorney by trade, Jennay brings extensive experience in business transactions, program management, and regulatory compliance. Throughout her career, she has supported several nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen their operations, achieve sustainable growth, and expand their impact on the communities they serve.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, Jennay enjoys attending local art shows, discovering new artists while traveling, and collecting artwork from around the world. As President-Elect of the Board of Directors for Cali Commons, Jennay is honored to support the organization’s mission of creative empowerment through education, collaboration, and community.