Management and Board of Directors

Ryan, a native of Long Beach, brings a wealth of experience to this role, having spent 26 years in the entertainment industry. Starting out as a box office cashier and projectionist at Pacific Theatres Lakewood South, he developed a comprehensive understanding of the movie theatre business from the ground up. Prior to joining The Art Theatre in 2008, he held positions at Regal Entertainment Group in Garden Grove and in Long Beach. Ryan is dedicated to the Art Theatre’s mission and oversees all aspects of the theatre’s operations, ensuring technical integrity, team leadership, and operational success.

The Art Theatre Board of Directors provides leadership, governance, and strategic direction to ensure the theatre’s long-term success and sustainability. The Board oversees fiscal health, upholds the mission, and guides major organizational decisions. Members contribute their expertise, advocacy, and community connections to strengthen the theatre’s impact and ensure it continues to inspire, entertain, and engage audiences for years to come.

Teacher, musician, filmmaker, public arts advocate—just of few of the hats Kirk Jordan has worn during his three decades living in Long Beach’s Retro Row district.  Kirk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cal State, bringing his unique skillset to the Art Theatre as the President of our Board of Directors.  Kirk and his wife Cristina, a Social Worker, love movies and travelling the world.

Kerstin Kansteiner exemplifies the ideal fusion of business acumen and civic engagement, seamlessly integrating commerce and community in her multifaceted roles as a business owner, leader, and activist. Originally from Bielefeld, Germany, she studied business administration and communications at Friedrich Alexander University and first came to Long Beach through an internship with Dr. Oetker in 1989. A year later, she co-founded Portfolio Coffeehouse on a struggling stretch of Fourth Street, eventually becoming sole proprietor in 1992 and transforming it into Long Beach’s flagship coffeehouse and community hub. Over the years, she expanded her entrepreneurial footprint with ventures like Portfolio Annex, Berlin Bistro, Portfolio FIT, Art Du Vin, and in 2023, Alder & Sage—which unites her earlier café and restaurant concepts into a thriving destination on Retro Row. Beyond her businesses, Kansteiner has prioritized community enrichment through events like story time, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and open mics. Her civic involvement is equally significant—she served as President of the Fourth Street Business Improvement Association, spearheading a major federal façade grant that revitalized the corridor, and as President of the Rose Park Neighborhood Association (2008–2010), where she initiated the restoration of the historic Rose Park in collaboration with city leaders. Through these sustained efforts, Kansteiner has helped reshape Long Beach’s urban culture while remaining deeply committed to inclusive community-building.

Dr. Laura Ceia is an associate professor of Literature and Film Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and Chair of the Department of Global Studies. A visual culture scholar, cultural organizer, and lifelong champion of independent cinema, she brings decades of experience in international film programming and community-based arts initiatives to the Board. She is particularly committed to building bridges between academic and public film culture, and envisions expanded student engagement, educational programming, and partnerships with international consulates. Dr. Ceia believes deeply in the Art Theatre’s role as a space for memory, joy, and cinematic discovery—a cultural anchor for the neighborhood and a vital regional hub for global and independent film.

Oved Amitay is a longtime nonprofit leader, biotech professional, and passionate community advocate with over 30 years of experience working to improve public health and bring people together around shared causes. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Solve M.E., a national nonprofit supporting research and advocacy for chronic illnesses like Long COVID and ME/CFS. There, he helped launch the Long COVID Alliance and played a key role in securing federal research funding and creating programs that center patient voices. Earlier in his career, Oved held leadership roles at companies working on rare and complex diseases, helping bring new treatments to patients worldwide. Since moving to Long Beach in 2020, Oved has become a devoted supporter of The Art Theatre and the Long Beach Museum of Art, drawn to their power to connect and inspire people—especially in the wake of the pandemic. He believes deeply in preserving cultural spaces where stories can be shared and communities can thrive. Oved brings his experience in leadership and advocacy, along with a strong belief in the role of the arts in healing and connection, to his role on the Theatre’s Board.

Morgan Hughes (she/her) is a digital strategy and product leader with a passion for community-driven work and creative spaces. She currently works in the HR technology sector, helping organizations connect people, process, and technology to deliver better experiences. Morgan has previously owned and operated a small business in Long Beach, where she led everything from creative production to finance and community events. Her work is grounded in collaboration, storytelling, and a belief in the power of bringing people together.

Stephanie Pullman and her husband, Alan, are longtime residents of Long Beach and have been actively involved in many local organizations. Stephanie is passionate about supporting a vibrant arts community. Her twin daughters grew up exploring Retro Row, shopping in vintage shops, and attending films at The Art Theater—including celebrating their sixth birthday party there. Professionally, Stephanie has been a Montessori educator for over 30 years and continues to support Montessori organizations and educators. She is looking forward to serving on the board of The Art Theater and contributing to its ongoing role in the cultural life of Long Beach.

Sylvia has been a proud resident of Long Beach for 27 years and is delighted to join The Art Theatre’s Board of Directors. Living in the theatre’s vibrant neighborhood, she is a frequent patron, enjoying its diverse films and engaging events. Sylvia is deeply committed to her community, actively involved with numerous local non-profits that provide vital resources and services to underserved children, teens, and older adults. She is also a dedicated supporter of local small businesses. She currently serves on the board of her neighborhood association and is active in citywide initiatives promoting pedestrian and bicycle safety, food equity programs, and neighborhood cleanups. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending the theatre and concerts, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. Sylvia looks forward to contributing her community insights and experience to support The Art Theatre’s mission and continued success.

Andy Schlichter grew up in Philadelphia, where his love for movies began with a steady diet of the Rocky franchise and cable marathons on TNT and TBS. He started his career at Disney Cruise Line in Florida, where he saw firsthand the emotional impact that film and character can have across generations. After moving to Los Angeles for business school at UCLA, his passion for film deepened through access to the city’s vibrant repertory and indie cinema scene. A proud Long Beach resident since 2024, Andy now consults for mid-sized Southern California businesses and shares his enthusiasm for movies with friends, family, and fellow cinephiles at art house theaters across the region.

Carole Toludomi has served on the Art Theatre Board since 2013, playing a key role in shaping its programming and community presence. She has been instrumental in organizing the Art’s beloved annual Oscar Viewing Party, turning it into a signature event for Long Beach’s film and arts lovers. A proud Long Beach resident, Carole lives with her husband and has been deeply engaged in the vibrancy of 4th Street for many years. Beyond her work with the theatre, Carole has dedicated time to local causes, volunteering with neighborhood beautification efforts and supporting small business initiatives that celebrate Long Beach’s cultural diversity.

The Art Theatre Advisory Board serves as a resource to the Board of Directors by providing guidance, expertise, and community perspective to support the theatre’s mission and strategic goals. Members offer advice on programming, audience engagement, fundraising opportunities, and community partnerships, helping to ensure that the theatre remains vibrant, relevant, and well-connected to its patrons and stakeholders.

Jan van Dijs – JR van Dijs, Inc.

Ron Nelson – Long Beach Museum of Art

James Whale – Commune Communication