The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission for the City of Surprise elected Commissioner Crystal Cuppert as chair and Commissioner Hassan Rasul as vice chair at its July 30 meeting.

The commission voted to approve the leadership choices by secret ballot and then confirmed the results in open session. Commissioners then moved to a formal motion to approve Crystal Cuppert as chair and Hassan Rasul as vice chair; both motions passed by unanimous voice vote.

The election followed nominations from the commission. Commissioner Crystal Cuppert introduced herself to the commission prior to the vote: "Hi. I'm Crystal Cupper. I am a journalist and professional musician here in Surprise. This is my third year on this commission," she said, adding that she is focusing on music education and partnerships with local homeschool co-ops.

Commissioners conducted the ballots in secret and announced the results publicly: Crystal Cuppert received unanimous support to serve as chair; Hassan Rasul received unanimous support to serve as vice chair. After the leadership votes, the commission also moved to approve the minutes of its June 2, 2025 meeting; the minutes passed on a voice vote with no recorded nays or abstentions.

The new leadership will preside over upcoming commission responsibilities, including continuing public-art projects and program outreach. Commissioners and staff praised the conduct of the vote and said they aim to continue community engagement efforts under the new chair.

Votes at a glance: Crystal Cuppert — motion to approve as chair; outcome: approved (unanimous voice vote). Hassan Rasul — motion to approve as vice chair; outcome: approved (unanimous voice vote). June 2, 2025 meeting minutes — motion to approve minutes; outcome: approved (voice vote, no nays recorded).

The commission adjourned after routine reports and presentations that followed the leadership votes.