The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its board of directors and re-election of two incumbents for FY2019. The Arts Council board is comprised of up to 18 members with each term limited to three years.

“Having a robust and diverse board is very important to our success, and we are always excited to welcome new members and strengthen our organization as a result,” said Deborah E. Mikula, Arts Council executive director. “These new appointees bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse backgrounds and businesses,” Mikula said. “We are proud to have them representing our organization.”

The FY2019 Arts Council Board Member appointments include incoming first-term members Kristin Beltzer, Ashlee Willis and Laurie Robison and incumbents Patty Barnas (second term), and George Orban (third term).

FY2019 Board Member Appointees

Kristin Beltzer

With over 25 years in senior management and executive leadership, Kristin Beltzer currently serves as the director of appointments in the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder. Beltzer chaired the Haslett Board of Education and served as a trustee from 2003-2016 and is currently serving as an appointee to the Michigan Education Trust Board. She has held positions on the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Business Advisory Council, Junior Achievement and Ele’s Place. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University.

Ashlee Willis

A Greater Lansing native, Ashlee R. Willis is a successful business owner and well-respected Lansing leader. Willis is the founder of two award-winning Lansing businesses–Michigan Premier Events, a corporate event planning company and Lansing Mosaic, a platform that highlights Lansing’s diverse business culture. She is the recipient of the 2017 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Grand River Connection’s “10 Over the Next Ten” Award, the Lansing Black Chamber of Commerce “Entrepreneur on the Move Award” and was recently highlighted on the cover of Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle Magazine and in a “Lansing State Journal” feature on the future generation of black leaders.

Laurie (Lolo) Robison

Lolo Robison has served as Capital Area Transportation Authority’s chief marketing and public information officer since July 2011. In March 2018, she was appointed to also oversee Customer Experience. Robison has held leadership roles at Acrisure, Michigan State University Alumni Association, Lansing State Journal, Capital Area School Employees Credit Union and Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. She earned a master’s degree in public relations from Michigan State University and graduated cum laude from Central Michigan University with a degree in administration. She serves as a member of the region’s Creative Placemaking Summit Steering Committee and Cultural Economic Development Planning Committee and is an accomplished ceramic artist.

‍

“Over the years, the Arts Council’s board has had a very strong representation from different sectors within our community, and that continues to expand as our organization changes and grows,” Mikula said. That change also brings with it some good-byes as board members finish their terms. This year the Arts Council is bidding a fond farewell to Terry Carella, communications director, WMU Cooley Law School. “Terry has been an amazing champion of the Arts Council for many years,” said Mikula. “We are very grateful for her service.”

The Arts Council also recognizes FY2019 Officers, President (second term), Patty Barnas, Market President, Lansing First National Bank of Michigan; Vice President (second term), Kirk Meadows, Attorney; Secretary (incoming), Rachel Elsinga, Senior Planner of Economic Development, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission; Treasurer (second term), Kathie Feldpausch, Senior Vice President and CFO, Michigan Realtors.

See a complete list of Arts Council staff and board members!