We are excited to announce the newest members of the Arts for Oakland Kids Board of Directors, Niki Shah Heinrich and James Potter! In addition to their passion for arts education and commitment to Oakland’s kids, they both bring invaluable knowledge and skills to the organization. We are thrilled and grateful to have them as part of the team in our fight for educational equity.
Jim Potter - Retired Securities Attorney
James (Jim) Potter is a retired General Counsel who previously represented Del Monte Corporation, Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Prudential Banks. Over the last ten years, he has worked with various private equity firms in legal, finance, and strategy roles. Jim is a big believer in the power of arts education and previously served as the Chairman of the Board for East Bay Performing Arts. His other non-profit service includes the Board of the Alameda Health System, the United Way of the East Bay, and the regional board of UNCF. He is also nationally recognized for his efforts to build greater diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Jim lives with his wife Beryl and daughter Madison in Berkeley, where they enjoy biking, hiking and travel. Jim’s legal expertise, strategic know-how, and sense of humor will be invaluable to our work funding arts education for the kids of Oakland. Welcome, Jim!
Niki Shah Heinrich - Technical Trainer
Niki Shah Heinrich hails from Los Angeles but has called the Bay Area home for the past 6 years. After getting her masters in education and instructional design, she worked as a high school English teacher. She currently works in Silicon Valley as a technical trainer for a local Bay Area technology company and has worked as a trainer for companies that specialize in social media marketing. In her free time, she enjoys camping and hiking with her husband, reading, and petting all dogs within reach. Niki’s expertise in education, project management, and marketing, her energy, and humor will all be invaluable additions to AOK’s work. Welcome, Niki!