BCC committees ensure the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center operates efficiently, offers relevant programming, and continues to grow and thrive. Committee participation is open to all members of the Basque Cultural Center and the general public, and strongly encouraged for those Regular Members interested in pursuing a the Board of Directors role.
Persons interested in committee participation should reach out to the committee chairperson to learn more.
The majority of the activities of the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center are managed through its standing committees:
Our Committees
Please email info@sfbasqueculturalcenter.org with any questions.
Building & Grounds
Committee Chair: John Falxa, Matthew Etchepare, Vice-Chair
Description: Updates and maintains both the interior (e.g. lighting, decor) and exterior (e.g. landscaping, parking) of the Basque Cultural Center
Entertainment
Committee Chair: Pierre Etcharren, Idoya Urruty, Vice-Chair
Description: Responsible for organizing events at the Basque Cultural Center for its members and guests. Events include the two day February Anniversary event, the Udako Besta (Summer Festival) in August, the New Year’s Eve Gala, the annual Mus Tournament, as well as other events
Pilota
Committee Chair:Tony Huarte
Description: Promotes the sport of pilota by organizing member tournaments, clinics as well as coordinating visiting pilota players’ games during Basque Cultural Center festivals
Risk Management
Committee Chair: Christian Iribarren
Description: Identifies risks that may impact the BCC and suggests and implements risk mitigation strategies, including legal, insurance, and compliance measures. It also makes recommended amendments to the bylaws to the Board and maintains other corporate documents
Finance
Committee Chair: Matthew Etchepare
Description: Oversees the management of the BCC’s investment portfolio and engages with the Basque Cultural Center’s Financial Advisor about investment strategies
Euskara
Coordinator: Idoya Urruty
Description: Prioritizes the use of the Basque language in Basque Cultural Center’s events and programs while also partnering with N.A.B.O. to offer Euskara classes for its members
Youth
Committee Co-Chairs: Valerie Arrechea & Alain Camou
Description: Organizes social events for youth and young adults aged 13-20 years old to create a sense of connectedness to the Basque Cultural Center
Membership
Committee Chair: Marianne Arotzarena Martinon
Description: Orchestrates all membership recruitment, onboarding, and maintenance processes through the use of technology and other communication channels
Digital
Committee Co-Chairs: Stephanie Chiramberro Huarte &
Marie Rosecrans
Description: Sets and executes strategy for the Basque Cultural Center’s social media presence and website by implementing new strategies to increase followers and program and event engagement