About the foundation:
The Philip Cuomo Family Foundation was formed in September 2021 to ensure that Philip Cuomo’s life work would continue. Its stated mission is to support the arts in Portland. Its first project, which was begun by Philip, was to purchase the CoHo Theatre building, in order that it remain a theatre.
The Philip Cuomo Family Foundation is committed to preserving the legacy of Philip Cuomo, theatre artist and arts administrator. Philip was a passionate advocate for new work development and community engagement. As Producing Artistic Director of CoHo Productions, he had overseen the development and production of dozens of new plays, as well as programs that supported emerging artists and engaged with Portland’s diverse communities.
Donate now to support Philip’s vision
Who we are
Sascha Blocker
Sascha Lynn Blocker earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Lecoq-Based Actor Created Theater from the London International School of Performing Arts, in collaboration with Naropa University. Besides her studies, she imparts her knowledge as an adjunct faculty, covering topics from public speaking to clowning. Based in Portland, OR, Sascha is an integral part of the local theater community.
Leo Cuomo
Leo Cuomo is a respected judge in Brooklyn, NY. Before taking on the judge role, he was deeply involved with Suffolk Legal Aid and eventually became the Bureau Chief there. He earned his law degree from CUNY and has a Bachelor's from SUNY Geneseo. Apart from his legal work, Leo has a history of service, being part of the Coast Guard Reserve. He has also helped service members with legal papers, including wills.
Michele Cuomo (Treasurer)
Michele Cuomo is the Dean of Arts and Communication at Seminole State College in Florida. She earned her Ed.D. from Benedictine University, an MFA from The Ohio State University, and a BA from The College of New Rochelle. Beyond her academic roles, Michele has been active with groups such as the Association of American University Administrators, CoHo Productions, and Altrusa International. She is deeply committed to both education and community involvement.
Lisa Gabel (Secretary)
Lisa Gabel serves as the Interim Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at ICF International. She holds a Master's degree from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Purchase. Earlier in her career, she contributed to the US Navy in the realm of organizational development and human performance. Additionally, Lisa is an active volunteer with Hope Helps and sits on the CTC Fundraising and Communications Committee.
Maureen Porter
Maureen Porter plays a pivotal role at the Third Rail Repertory Theatre as the Managing Artistic Director. Earlier in her career, she handled fundraising at Portland's Japanese Garden. Currently, she is actively involved with the CTC Committees, managing fundraising, operations, and financial aspects.
Gary Cole
Gary Cole used to be a business and property lawyer, but he is retired and now lives in Virginia. He studied at Williams College and then went to Stanford Law School. He worked in Washington DC, Portland, Oregon, and Raleigh, North Carolina. He has written three books: a novel named "Black Box" and two life stories called "Artless" and "Newsboy". Gary loves the arts and helped start several theater groups, including CoHo Productions Ltd., which he co-founded. He has been involved in community work in Portland, especially related to education and libraries. Now, he enjoys time with his wife Amy and their kids, Graham and Alaina.
Leo Cuomo Sr. (President)
Leo Cuomo Sr. worked for a long time as a counselor in the Sachem School System. He studied at New York University and Iona College and later consulted for AHRC (Association for the Help of Retarded Children). Now that he is retired, he loves leading hikes on the Appalachian Trail, and he actively supports victims of church leaders.
Claudia Gabel
Claudia Gabel is pursuing her veterinary studies at Michigan State University. She has a strong background in microbiology, having studied at both the University of Florida and Florida State University. Prior to her current studies, Claudia held a position as a zoological specialist at Sea World.
Sydney Gabel
Sydney Gabel is a talented filmmaker who made "WISDOM TEETH." She graduated from Florida Atlantic University and has worked on popular shows and movies like "The Bachelor", "Snowfall", and "Cruella DeVille."
Jessica Wallenfels
Jessica Wallenfels is the driving force behind Many Hats Collaboration, where she combines music and movement in her creations. She is known for works like "Great Wide Open" and directed plays like "Into the Woods" at Broadway Rose. People have enjoyed her work at places like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Seattle Repertory Theatre. Jessica also teaches at Portland State University. She studied at the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Portland.