Meet the Team
We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Laura Rafaty
Executive Director
laura@napavalleymuseum.org
Laura Rafaty is an experienced nonprofit arts leader, producer and writer, and also brings decades of both nonprofit and for-profit business and legal experience to her position as Executive Director. A veteran of local nonprofits including the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, Friends of the Cameo Cinema, and the Napa Valley Opera House, as well as nonprofits in New York and Palo Alto, she is a Tony-nominated theatrical producer and the founder of the theatrical nonprofit: NapaShakes. Her “Up the Valley” column is well-remembered, and its humor can be found in her text for our “Dangerous Games” exhibition. Laura lives in Saint Helena with two Tibetan Spaniels, is notorious for emailing the staff at all hours, and can usually be spotted at museum events with a signature glass of Scotch in her hand.
Laura Rafaty
Executive Director
Kathleen Schwanz
Manager of Operations
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Kathleen Schwanz joins the team as the new Manager of Operations, having spent several years at the DiRosa Center for Contemporary Art as Visitor Services Manager. She has a background in interior design, having founded and operated her own full-service interior design firm, managing projects from concept to completion while delivering exceptional client experiences. Kathleen brings an unflappable calm and infectious sense of fun to her new role leading teams at both the NVMY and The MAC.
Kathleen Schwanz
Manager of Operations
Bella Bañuelos
Front Desk Gallery Manager MAC
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Isabella, known fondly as “Bella,” will often be the first face visitors see at The MAC. She has experience and wisdom beyond her years in retail and customer service, so stop by and say “hello” on your next visit.
Bella Bañuelos
Front Desk Gallery Manager MAC
Gabe Ely
Front Desk Gallery
ext. 107
Gabe Ely is a long-time resident of Yountville, as well as a graphic designer and appreciator of art. He attends to his duties with surgical precision, and always makes sure visitors have a great time. You can see Gabe most days when the museum is open: Wednesdays through Sundays from 11-4. Under his alter ego @ItsgabboGabe, you can find his art and drawings as “artist, pseudo philosopher, and director of Gabolical Laboratories.” His slogan is: “You can find inspiration in the strangest places.” He is the only member of the staff to have his own theme song!
Gabe Ely
Front Desk Gallery NVMY
Ricardo Montañez
Facilities Manager
Ricardo is NVM’s Facilities Manager, keeping things in shape at both the NVMY and the MAC.
Ricardo Montañez
Facilities manager
Heather Belt
Head of Design
Heather joins the team in the new position of Head of Design, bringing talent, expertise and many years of experience in both marketing and design to the position. She has a great reputation in the Valley and beyond as a graphic and production designer and creative project manager, having worked most recently with clients like The Calistoga Depot and Boisset Collection. She has provided design for Chronicle Books, for universities, and for a broad range of businesses. Heather is undertaking the enormous task of helping the Museum to elevate all aspects of its design at both the NVMY and the new MAC. She lives in St Helena with her husband and young son.
Heather Belt
Head of Design