Eastern Oregon Film Festival is a 501C3 Non Profit and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. This mighty group of community (both local and at large) members helps guide our organization with strategies to enact our mission and bring to form our vision.

Kathy O’Neil – Secretary

Kathy O’Neil, a Purdue University Liberal Arts graduate, currently works as a Sales Support Representative for Humana Medicare. She loves the arts, community involvement, and helping others. Her interests include reading, gardening, and traveling. Her volunteer roles include Secretary for the local Habitat for Humanity Task Force, Secretary for her church trustees, and EEO Specialist for a local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees. She is excited to join the board of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival and looks forward to its impact on the local community.

Rikke Finbraten – Treasurer

Rikke Finbraten retired from 20 years in the tech industry a few years back.  With a passion for film from early childhood that she shared with her dad, she has seen nearly every tentpole movie (except Horror and Animation) since 1982.  She stores far too much trivial information about all things film & actors in her brain.  

Aaron Thornburg – Board Member

Aaron Thornburg is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Eastern Oregon University. Dr. Thornburg’s research on Irish-Gaelic-language (Gaeilge) use and the utilization of Gaeilge-language television media in Gaeilge courses led him to explore digital storytelling and film’s potential use in both teaching anthropology and ethnographic research. As a result, Dr. Thornburg continued to develop his interests in film, helping to develop a Film Studies minor at EOU and volunteering with EOFF for three years before joining the Board.

H. Nelson Tracey – Board Member

H. Nelson Tracey is a filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, most known for his feature directorial debut, Breakup Season, which was developed through the EOFF Residency program, filmed entirely in La Grande, and produced with EOFF as its non-profit fiscal sponsor. The film played at 36 film festivals in 2024, including EOFF, where it was met with a sold out standing ovation at EOU’s McKenzie Theater. Breakup Season is now available to watch at home after an 18 city theatrical release. Nelson attended EOFF for the very first time in 2019 with a short documentary he had directed called Picture Jasper and had no idea that this would become a life-changing film festival. 

Sarah Wherle

Sarah is a physical therapist and mother to two young children. Since moving to La Grande from the Midwest in 2015, she has looked forward to attending and volunteering for EOFF every year. She is passionate about fostering culture and community engagement through the arts as well as outdoor recreation within Eastern Oregon. She wants to see year-round opportunities for in-person film events that brings together all ages and demographics, to realize the potential for a thriving Eastern Oregon region and simply for the fun of it.

Kay Kellogg

Kay Kellogg is an Art and Theatre Arts student at Eastern Oregon University who is interested in growing a larger performance arts community in La Grande.  While live theatre is her passion, she appreciates film, music, dance, comedy, etc; and believes that the best way forward is by working together to build a strong creative collective where various performance art interests can be realized.

Alan Arnson

Alan Arnson is a sound technician, musician, film producer, EOU Alumnus, and Veteran. Having been involved with the Eastern Oregon Film Festival as a venue operator/manager, periodically since its beginning. Alan has transitioned from aspiring filmmaker and volunteer to a key organizational leader/ critical role provider. To him, EOFF is more than an event—it is a life-changing experience that enriches local culture, brings a friendly and inspiring perspective to the region. Alan is dedicated to the “unseen work” that ensures the festival runs without a hitch, preserving its presentation value, as well as maintaining an intimate atmosphere for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Jessica Arnson

Jessica is a mental health therapist, wife, mother, advocate, and community-builder based in Eastern Oregon. She believes deeply in the power of film, and cinema therapy is a passion she hopes to use to foster empathy, support healing, and amplify diverse voices. Her trauma-informed, youth-focused mental health work has shaped her commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces where stories can be shared and understood. 

The Eastern Oregon Film Festival will always hold a special place in her heart as she has learned so much about people, life, and community through EOFF by enjoying music, film, and friends and volunteering each year since moving to the area in 2015. Jessica brings warmth, curiosity, and heart to her work and is honored to serve on the board and excited to champion films that inspire connection, resilience, and meaningful conversation.