2012: YMA Board of Directors
Ryan Yaden – President
Ryan, an architect and urban designer, currently works as a partner with firm151 in Portland, Oregon. He has led a wide variety of recognized and award-winning projects, from the Arkell Museum and Library in New York to private residences in Portland. He received an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in urban design and architecture from Harvard University. In 2005, he received the prestigious Rotch Traveling Scholarship, a mid-career fellowship that he used to study distressed forms of architectural heritage in Asia. Ryan spent many summers at YMA, progressing from camper to senior counselor, and he is the current president of the Young Musicians & Artists Board of Directors.
Peter Markgraf – Secretary
Peter is a former YMA counselor who joined the board in 2009. He is a veteran of numerous political campaigns, and he has worked as a public involvement consultant specializing in projects with high visibility. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Carleton College and an MBA from Portland State University. Peter’s time at YMA helped kindle a lifelong appreciation of the arts, and he spends his free time practicing the cello and listening to music as well as cycling and enjoying the outdoors.
Robin Jacobs – Treasurer
Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Robin discovered YMA in fifth grade and attended as a dance student and counselor from 1994 to 2004. After studying dance for 15 years, Robin became a cheerleader for the Linfield Wildcats, travelling to Virginia her senior year to cheer on the 2004 Division III football championship team. Robin graduated from Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She then moved to Portland to work for an accounting firm where she earned her CPA license, and she currently serves clients as an audit manager of a Big 4 accounting firm. Robin joined the YMA Board as treasurer in 2008 and continues to take dance classes in her spare time; her favorite class is taught locally in Portland by YMA’s African dance teacher.
Kyle Busacker –
After many years of traveling and directing youth programs internationally, Kyle now resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife where he works as Director of Enrollment at Global Expeditions Group, an adventure travel, high school summer camp, and collegiate study abroad company. Kyle received his undergraduate degree in history and business administration from the University of Oregon. Kyle grew up spending his summers at YMA progressing from camper to senior counselor and joined the Board of Directors in 2010. Kyle previously served as secretary of the YMA Board of Directors and currently heads its technology committee.
Dian Rubanoff –
Dian “Dee” Rubanoff joined the YMA Board in 2010 while her husband, Doug Adler, was also a board member. Dian practices employment law with the law firm of Williams, Zografos & Peck in Lake Oswego. She moved to Oregon in 1991 after graduating from law school in Southern California. Dian has served on the board of directors of REACH Community Development and Young Audiences, as well as the Oregon Board of Bar Examiners. Dian’s appreciation for the arts started as a child; her mother was a professional dancer and her father was the orchestra manager of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dian played the cello when she was young, and she performed with the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles. Dian’s first job as a teenager was ushering at the Hollywood Bowl.
Nancy Kurkinen –
Nancy is a community activist with three decades of experience managing a variety of projects, including public-issue research, school district initiatives, leadership training, auctions, large public events, conferences, and political campaigns. In the early 1990s, Nancy served as research director and communications coordinator for The City Club of Portland before resigning to become a full-time mom and consummate school and community volunteer. She currently shares her professional skills with The Yolanda House Domestic Violence Shelter, The Northwest Children’s Theater – Kids Company Northwest, Loaves and Fishes Meals on Wheels, and YMA. Nancy holds a master’s degree in biology from Portland State University. She worked in molecular biological research at Oregon Health and Sciences University before redirecting her talents toward political and community involvement.
Laura Moen –
Laura attended Young Musicians & Artists between 1973 and 1989, and both her son and daughter have been campers at YMA for the last several years. After graduating from Pitzer College with a bachelor’s degree in political psychology and art, she biked across the U.S. with fellow YMA alum Emily Harris. Laura went on to be the box office manager at Intiman Theatre in Seattle, Washington, and owner of a small handmade and hand-painted housewares business called Just Art. She then served as soft goods product manager for Gregg’s Cycles, where she was named Employee of the Year, and ultimately opened her own small business, Moxie Northwest, which concentrates on sales and service in biking, running, and other outdoor industries.
