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Philip Earl Johnson - President
Philip Earl Johnson may be seen performing as MooNiE The Magnif'Cent at many Renaissance Faires during the year. He also is part of the comedy duo, MooNiE and Broon with Brian Howard. When not performing at Renaissance Faires, he is an actor on stage, television, and film. He is married with four children who are very patient with his work for RESCU. Phil is a member in good standing of AEA (Actor's Equity Association), SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). Phil holds a BS In Theater from Illinois State University and is a founding member of RESCU.

Gayle French - Secretary
Gayle French, a native-born Texan, started braiding hair 29 years ago at Renaissance Festivals, and is now the co-owner of Twisted Sisters. Her involvement with RESCU began as a teaching tool for herself - to know and understand her options without having health insurance - as she is a traveling crafter on the circuit, and to learn about the resources RESCU has developed. She holds degrees in Art, Interior Design, and Accounting from Stephan F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX. Gayle is the mother of two adult children and involved with the love of her life. Gayle joined the RESCU Board two years ago and serves as Secretary.

Chris Major - Vice President
Artisan, Potter's Market, Bristol

Lynda McCann Ovington - Treasurer
Lynda brings over 20 years experience in the non-profit arena to RESCU's talent pool, joining the Board in 2009 at the Annual Meeting. A native Midwesterner, Lynda studied Improvisational Theater with Del Close, David Shepherd and Don DePollo while living in Chicago. She holds an Associates of Arts degree from Wright College - Chicago, and both a BA and MEd from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She's a member of the International Wenches Guild, International Fellowship of Royal Privateers, and a Renaissance Mercenary. Currently, she resides in the Shires of Vermont with her very supportive husband, Dan Ovington, and four very curious indoor rescued felines. Her home faire is the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Jessie G. Campbell
Jessie is a recovering attorney, who is happily using her legal expertise for RESCU. After working several years in the professional world as well as at her local faire, she recently decided to go on the road full-time. Jessie holds a BA in History from Tufts University and a JD and MA in Russian Studies from University of Texas. A quilt she designed, "What a Wonderful World," was recently on exhibition at the International Quilt Festival. In addition to quilting, Jessie also is busy writing, researching family genealogy, and spoiling her dogs. Jesse joined the RESCU Board of Directors in March of 2010.

Danielle Dupont
Danielle is the Madame of the Washing Well Wenches, an all female Festival show, performing since 1992, that may be seen at up to 30 Renaissance Festivals around the country. Though Danielle participated in Ren-Faires mostly upon the stage, she has also done some time as a Crafter, Gamer and Entertainment Director. Danielle received her BS in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida (Honors Program - succeeded by her daughter Samma who also graduated from USF’s Honors College). Besides wenching, Danielle is the CEO of Classic Shaving.com, a Men’s Traditional Grooming Tools e-retailer. Danielle traveled for 15 years on the Festival circuit, and is currently settled into Southern California in a home-cum-production-palace named Chautauqua West with her husband, William, and their many guests. Her passions include gender equality, social justice and intoxicating beverages. Danielle has been involved with RESCU since its inception, and is the Fundraising Chair.

Donna Michelle Morris
Donna Michelle Morris is a performer on the renaissance festival circuit. A former member of the Limeybirds, she now tours with her own show The Other Woman and recently released a music CD entitled "I Want You." A proud Canadian, Donna holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Humber College, a BFA in Musical Theatre,and a BA in English from the University of Windsor. She is a member of ACTRA (Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists), the Toronto Actors Equity Association, and the Canadian and American Musicians Association. Donna has appeared in numerous television shows and commercials. She likes poetry, long walks on the beach and poking dead things with a stick. Donna joined the Board of RESCU in 2009 at the Annual Meeting.

Staff

Carol Z. Black - Executive Director
Carol stumbled upon Renaissance Festivals and themed events 25 years ago and loved the 'community' so much that she has made her living at working them ever since. Her background as crafts director, entertainment director, and show consultant at various festivals gives her the advantage of knowing the community and being able to balance the creative and business side of an organization. Additionally, Carol has performed her character, Lady Ettie, at Renaissance Festivals and schools for over 25 years. She enjoys archery, Bocce Ball, gardening, and family. Carol is a founding member of RESCU and served for several years as the organization's president. She was hired as RESCU's first Executive Director after a nationwide search.

Brande (Watson) Constable - Advocacy Program Director
Brande has a parenthesis in her name because she recently married her sweetheart of 14 years, Michael. Brande and Michael have been the managers for Uncommon Adornments, making and selling Celtic jewelry, at Renaissance Faires around the country for the last 13 years. Since the age of 19, Brande has undertaken a management role with the business. Everyone knows her favorite band in the world has been Rage Against the Machine since she first heard them in 1992. In her old life, before going on the road, she was a drummer in various rock bands in Charlotte, NC, where she grew up. Brande joined RESCU shortly after it started as a board member in 2007. In August 2010, Brande became the first professional staff member of this growing non-profit organization and is now the RESCU Advocacy Program Director. She is very vocal about advocacy being her true calling in life. The combination of rock star rebel and life long manager has created a person who loves to fight for the medical rights of the renaissance festival community in a timely and professional manner. Brande's favorite quote: "It's better to live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb."

The Board Members of the RESCU Foundation would like to express our supreme thanks to all of our significant others for understanding what pulls us to this and for supporting us through all of the time it takes to get it done.

Updated January 25, 2011