2026 VES Oregon Board of Managers Election
OFFICIAL BALLOT
For the March 2026 – February 2028 Term
Official voting is now closed. Election winners will be announced soon.
Ben Posey
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: VFX Senior Roto Paint Artist
Candidate Statement:
i’ve been on the board for 2 years! its been a pleasure working with you. I’d love to continue to serve.
My goal is to unify artists. I like to help support with planning events.
finding ways to gather and share ideas, and mix with other artists is what i’m about.
thank you for your consideration.
Holly Webster
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: VFX Asset Lead
Candidate Statement:
I’ve had several years of experience serving on the VES Oregon Board of Managers. I was responsible for organizing screenings from the start of our section, establishing partnerships with local businesses, venues, and theater managers while coordinating with VES HQ.
I have the honor of being elected as Chair this past year and have stepped up my responsibilities to include:
– Overseeing monthly Board meetings.
– Supervising activities and events, ensuring their compliance with handbook guidelines.
– Overseeing committees to carry out activities.
– Guiding the Section’s annual Activity Plan and budgeting.
– Working with the Board of Managers to provide meaningful activities and to recruit new members.
– Generally supporting fellow Officers and Managers whenever assistance is needed.
I hope, with your support, to continue working to further help organize our committees, expand our outreach, encourage community engagement, and support our members to the best of my ability.
Mikey Rogers
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: Sr. CG Lighting Artist
Candidate Statement:
As a Lighting and Look Development artist with a 16-year freelance career, I have worked with over 30 studios across Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, Australia, and Oregon. My portfolio spans projects in feature film and animation, title sequences, music videos, advertising and VR/AR experiences, as well as in-house production for an emerging car company. Additionally, as an instructor at Gnomon, LinkedIn Learning and FXPhD, I have a deep-rooted commitment to the “Educate” pillar of the VES’s mission.
My career has given me a unique, all encompassing view of how visual effects integrates into both traditional entertainment and new tech workflows. Having navigated dozens of pipelines and mentored the next generation of artists, I bring a unique ability to identify universal challenges and collaborative solutions. This global, multi-disciplinary perspective positions me to help the BoM effectively advocate for all members — from students to veterans and independent contractors.
I’d like to propose the following platforms in an effort to socially engage and enrich the Oregon visual effects community.
Emerging Tech Roundtables: Peer-to-peer meetups focused on demystifying tools like AI-integrated workflows, drawing on my experience in both film and tech.
Behind the Scenes Socials: Informal mixers designed to strengthen our local fabric. By connecting outside of deadlines, we foster the organic mentorship and support that keep our community vibrant, collaborating with local studios in Oregon to host such events.
I am eager to give back to the community that has sustained my career and would be honored to earn your vote.
Nick Khasipov
Section Affiliation: oregon
Job Title or Description: CG Matchmove Artist at LAIKA
Candidate Statement:
I’m a Matchmove Artist working in Oregon’s production community, and over the years I’ve become increasingly interested not only in the craft itself, but in how teams function, collaborate, and support each other behind the scenes. I enjoy thinking about process, communication, and how small improvements can make a meaningful difference for artists.
I’m interested in serving on the Board because I value steady, thoughtful contribution. I don’t see leadership as something loud or performative, but as something consistent and reliable. I would be glad to support the Section in practical ways—whether through helping organize educational conversations, encouraging cross-studio dialogue, or simply being present and engaged.
As someone who built a career internationally before continuing it here in Oregon, I deeply appreciate professional communities that create space for connection and growth. I believe our Section can continue to foster that kind of environment.
If elected, I would approach the role with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute where needed.
Michael Cordova
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: Compositing Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
I’ve been a member of the VES since 2011 and have served on the Oregon Section Board since 2023. I’m currently Secretary of the Board. I have run our past three Annual VES Nomination Events, have helped run our first two Summer BBQ Trivia Contests, and have contributed to many other community events including Pub Nights, Screenings, and Holiday Parties. As a continuing member of the VES Board of Managers, my goals are to: pass along what I’ve learned to the next Secretary, continue volunteering for community events, and, most importantly, work with new members to strengthen our local film community through improved outreach and engagement. Some areas I look forward to working on together include leveraging social media to improve communication, forming partnerships with local professional organizations to foster community, and developing sponsorships to support and grow our events.
Arvind Arumbakkam
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: Technology & Industry Partnerships, Wacom
Candidate Statement:
I am excited to submit my candidacy for the Oregon VES Board, bringing my experience in technology and industry partnerships at Wacom and my passion for building bridges between industry and education. In my current role, I focus on creating pathways that connect professionals, educators, and students, fostering the next generation of creative talent in the Arts, Media & Entertainment (AME) space—of which VFX is an essential pillar.
Over the years, I have seen firsthand how strong collaborations between education and industry can ignite opportunities for emerging artists and strengthen the VFX community as a whole. I am particularly committed to helping develop programs and initiatives that support educators and inspire students, creating a clear and sustainable pipeline to careers in visual effects.
As a VES Oregon Board member, I aim to help shape a vibrant local ecosystem where industry professionals, studios, educators, and students can collaborate for mutual growth. By cultivating community connections and sharing resources, we can amplify both the visibility and impact of VES in Oregon, while fostering the next generation of VFX talent.
I look forward to contributing my expertise and passion to advance VES Oregon’s mission of building a thriving, connected, and future-ready visual effects community.
Taku Wakisaka
Section Affiliation: Oregon
Job Title or Description: Senior Pipeline Technical Director
Candidate Statement:
Dear Visual Effects Society Oregon Section Members,
Having been an active member of the VES Oregon Section for the past three years and having served on the Board of Managers, I have gained a deep appreciation for the value this community brings to our local industry. For this reason, I am running for re-election.
My primary goal is to provide continuity and build upon the momentum we have established together. While we have grown significantly, I know there are many more artists in our region who have yet to be reached. I am committed to continuing the creation of a diverse community that represents all facets of our craft—including ensuring we have more voices and representation for the unique practical effects talent in Oregon.
I am eager to continue the work I have done, ensuring our section remains a vital, consistent, and supportive resource for every artist and supervisor in our community.
Thank you for your consideration,
Taku