Rupert joined NACF in 2011 and is responsible for all operating functions of the organization. He is a former financial executive with over 30 years of financial management experience as an officer or consultant to for-and non-profit organizations. He holds a BA in accounting from California State University-Northridge and an MBA from Golden Gate University. He comes from an artistic family and is a painter in his spare time.
NACF Director of Programs Francene J. Blythe (Navajo/Lakota/Cherokee).Francene J. Blythe
Diné/Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota/Eastern Band Cherokee
Director of Programs
Francene joined NACF in 2015 as Director of Programs, overseeing the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of public programs, outreach and funding opportunities. She has a broad background in project management and arts and cultures, having worked for the National Geographic Society, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution, and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. Francene received her MA in Theater Management at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and her BA in Theater from Doane College.
Laura CalesLaura Cales
Chickasaw Nation
Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Madrigal
Project Manager
Elizabeth has always been deeply involved with the arts as both a practitioner and advocate. Inspired by Indigenous art, past and present, she joined the team in 2010 and feels privileged to work in the field. Coupled with an enterprising spirit, a background in marketing, finance, software and business ownership serves her well in business administration, outreach and special projects.
NACF Director of National Artist Fellowships Reuben Tomás Roqueñi (Yaqui/Mayo/Chicanx Descent) Reuben Tomás Roqueñi
Yaqui/Mayo/Chicanx Descent
Director of National Artist Fellowships
Reuben started at NACF in 2010 as its first Program Director. He rejoined NACF in 2018 and now oversees the National Artist Fellowships Program. Reuben has been working in arts philanthropy for over 12 years. Previously, Reuben was Program Officer in the Performing Arts Program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in the San Francisco Bay Area; and served as Grants Program Director at Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. Reuben received his BFA from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and is a multi-media visual artist.
Gabriella Tagliacozzo
Executive Project Manager and Board Liaison
Gabriella joined NACF in 2013. Her 20 years of experience in the non-profit world, a multicultural upbringing, and her journalism and music backgrounds, are well put to use in her role at the organization. She coordinates the activities of the Executive Office, oversees the logistics and implementation of several of the organization’s special events, and is also the editor of NACF’s quarterly newsletter.