Golden West Pops Board of Directors

Carol E Franchi, Financial Director:  Carol has worked as an accountant in the business community for over 25 years. Carol has been the Financial Director since the group’s inception.  A founding member, she maintains the position as section leader for the Flute section and is a member of several other performing groups.  

Lori Jean, Secretary: Has been a member of the GW Pops since 2011. Has been playing Flute for 40 years, Piccolo and Alto Sax for 38 years. Her first love of course is Piccolo.  She has played in several bands all over Orange County. She & her husband have their own Swing band :  Moonlight Express Big Band. She has a certificate in Floral Design & Shop Management from Golden West College.

Barbara Hammond, Historical/Social Director: Barbara holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance from Long Beach State and currently works as a Substitute Teacher for the Long Beach and ABC Unified School Districts.  Barbara has performed with many groups including the Musical Youth Artist Repertoire Theatre.  A founding member, Barbara stepped into the role of Historical Director in 2006.

Pollyanna Gorman, Executive Director, Conductor:  A founding member, Pollyanna’s past positions held were: Music Director, Assistant Conductor and principal French Horn.  With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina, Pembroke, Pollyanna stepped into the role of Executive Director and Principal Conductor in 2006. She currently holds the positions of Principal Horn, Vanguard University Band, and Associate Conductor and Principal French Horn with the Orange County Concert Band.

Michael Rhaney: Michael has been playing the tuba since it was bigger than he was. He has been playing with the Pops since 2013, and is now the youngest serving board member. When not in rehearsal, Michael spends his days working as an Aerospace Engineer.

Linda Price:  : Linda is a retired music educator of 37 years. Linda holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Instrumental Music from Arizona State University. After directing and conducting middle school, high school, college and community orchestras and bands, Linda has decided to sit on the other side of the baton.

Heide Palikan, Funding Director:  Heide has an Associate of Arts degree in Purchasing Management from Fullerton Junior College. She is responsible for researching and submitting funding requests to augment dues paid by Golden West Pops members and for-hire performances.  Heide is also the Assistant to the Band.  Heide has been a member of the Golden West Pops since 2005.

Joe LaRosa, Marketing Director/Webmaster/Technologist:  Joe has a Master of Science in Computer Science.  With has almost 50 years experience playing in various bands from elementary school to college and several community bands throughout Orange County, Joe joined the Golden West Pops in 2008. 

Karen Bell:  Karen has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from James Madison University (VA), and a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University. She has been an educator for over 20 years, serving as a general music teacher, high school band and choir director, and most recently as an Education Specialist working with students with mild/moderate disabilities. She has also taught private clarinet students since she was a junior in high school. Karen currently serves as the clarinet section leader and principal player for the Golden West Pops and performs frequently with several other ensembles in the area.