Honoring Women’s History Month with a Historic Pacific Crest Leadership Team

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization (PCYAO) is proud to introduce its 2026 Board Officers—a historic announcement that marks the first time in the organization’s history that all four officers are women.

Together, these four leaders bring decades of professional expertise, a dedication to creative and educational excellence, and a deep connection to the Pacific Crest community. We’re excited to welcome them into their new roles!

The 2026 Board Officers are:

President – Antoinette (Annie) Kveton
Vice President – Elizabeth Acosta
Secretary – Mariam Kaddoura
Treasurer – Diana Marie Petersen

Annie’s journey with Pacific Crest began in 2008 as a member of the color guard. After aging out in 2010, she returned as an educator and later stepped into numerous leadership roles that have shaped the organization’s operations, alumni engagement, and educational programming. Elected to the Board in 2017 as Alumni Representative, Annie founded and chaired the Alumni Committee before being elected Board President in January 2026. As she takes on this newest role, she reflected on the women who have helped shape her experience at Pacific Crest: “I feel lucky that I can identify quite a few remarkable women who I’ve learned from during my marching years and worked alongside at various PC events and functions. They’ve all inspired me in different ways, and I have no doubt this group of officers will do the same. I’ve already had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth, Diana, and Mariam on different projects, and look forward to what we can do together.”

Ever since seeing her first Pacific Crest show at the Rose Bowl, Elizabeth has remained a dedicated supporter of the organization, committed to helping ensure young people have access to meaningful arts experiences. With over 20 years in the banking industry and a dedication to community leadership—along with continued involvement with her company’s colleague resource group, the Latino Community Network—she brings strong financial and operational expertise to the Board. Looking ahead to the 2026 drum corps season, Elizabeth said she’s “looking forward to working closely with Annie and this great leadership team. I value their insights, feedback and commitment to Pacific Crest. Together with other board members, advisors, staff members, and volunteers, Pacific Crest is focused on continuous improvement to strengthen this great organization.”

A Los Angeles native and alum of the 2010-2011 Pacific Crest Front Ensemble, Mariam currently serves as Manager of Learning for the LA Phil, where she produces youth concert programs, develops curriculum, and oversees national education initiatives. Mariam first joined the Pacific Crest Board of Directors in 2022, bringing with her a [unique perspective gained from student education programs at all levels]. “Working on the Board with so many alumni from across PC’s history, including a number that I marched with, has been such a treat,” she said of the experience. “The fact that we give back to an organization that helped shape us so much in our early years is extremely rewarding.” She also noted that three of the Board’s officers are alumni and one is a parent to a former participant: “This group of officers is so exciting to work with because we all work in such different fields in our day jobs, but are united in our personal ties to Pacific Crest.”

Diana’s history with Pacific Crest began as a member of the Front Ensemble from 1999–2001 and 2003. After aging out, she returned as a volunteer and joined the Board of Directors in 2013, later serving as Board President in 2020–2021. Professionally, Diana is the Director of Administration at Red Pointe Roofing, with extensive experience in safety, accounting systems, benefits administration, and long-term strategic planning. For Diana, the officers’ varied experiences are one of the team’s greatest strengths. “Each one of us brings a different background and set of skills that compliment each other,” she said. “This set of officers presents a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the women whose leadership, skill and determination move Pacific Crest and our industry forward.” From the field to the office to the board room, she added, “the impact of the women of Pacific Crest is meaningful and essential. Shout out to all our performers, alumni, staff, volunteers and board members!”

Reflecting on this historic moment, Pacific Crest CEO Stuart Pompel said, “Pacific Crest is strong because our Board of Directors is strong. They take their fiduciary leadership seriously and provide the guidance, expertise, and resources that allow me to do my best work! I am excited for Annie’s leadership and the opportunity to work closely with our officers: four incredible women who care deeply about our organization and the students we serve.”

Learn more about the PCYAO Board of Directors and Advisory Committee →