This month, we have five board members completing their six-year term on the ACWL-Nuveen Board of Directors. And while six years is a major commitment, ALL of these board members have been serving the ACWL-Nuveen for many, many years and are key players in the ACWL-Nuveen's success. The amount of volunteer hours contributed by these five individuals is frankly unfathomable. We'd like to take this opportunity to not only thank them for their time, but to share a bit about the impact they've each had on the ACWL-Nuveen. Since all of the ACWL-Nuveen staff have been working here for less than six years, we recruited some additional volunteers to share more about the legacy of these inspirational board members.
Cindy Francis
Cindy has been treasurer of the Board and chair of the Finance committee since before any of the current staff have been working at the ACWL-Nuveen. She is thoughtful and strategic when making fiscal decisions and has been fundamental in creating and sustaining financial stability for this small arts nonprofit so it can continue to serve the White Lake community well into the future.
"As treasurer for the ACWL-Nuveen Cindy has shared her knowledge of fiscal management, was instrumental in establishing a savings/investment plan and has devoted time to support the mission of the ACWL-Nuveen. Cindy is a great asset (no pun intended)."
- Deb Harris, ACWL-Nuveen Board Secretary
Jane Hanna
Jane is someone we turn to anytime we have questions! Whether we're looking for contact info for a community member, a bit of history about the ACWL-Nuveen, or advice on how to approach a potential donor, we know Jane will pick up the phone! Jane's knowledge of this organization and the White Lake community - along with her dedication to the ACWL-Nuveen - have been invaluable and inspiring.
"Jane's energy and loyalty have been instrumental in making the ACWL-Nuveen the successful organization it is today. She doesn't seek credit, or accept it, but there is no other person who can or should be given the credit for the effort and work she has put into this organization."
- Lynn Cotter, ACWL-Nuveen Gallery Committee chair
Peter Johnson
Peter 'the Potter' Johnson opened Terrestrial Forming Pottery Studio in 1974 and has been a vital part of the White Lake area arts scene ever since. Peter serves on the Gallery, Art Walk, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) committees and has been integral in reestablishing the scholarship fund in order to make ACWL-Nuveen classes even more accessible. We truly appreciate Peter's insight and his dedication to all aspects of this organization.
"Peter Johnson is a local creative institution who has been an integral force for developing, mentoring, teaching, directing, and supporting the local arts community with a mission to make, “White Lake famous for the arts”! Peter is the kind of creative who understands, “I don't know?” to be an expansive question not a limiting one. An engagement with Peter will be an authentic conversation which expands your perception in a playful dance of thought and ideas. My understanding is that he's a potter too…" - Chris Jones, ACWL-Nuveen Board Member
Kathy Rogers
What doesn't Kathy do?! Kathy, one of the most steadfast members of the ACWL-Nuveen and has been involved with the organization since she helped to establish the original White River Gallery in 1999. She conscientiously serves as chair of both the Art Walk and Membership committees, and is a member of the DEI, Building the Future, and Gallery committees. As an Artist Member she shows and sells her artwork in our retail gallery, regularly teaches classes for younger children, and is always willing to volunteer at any ACWL-Nuveen event! Retired from her impressive career teaching art at Ealy Elementary School her passion for arts education and the ACWL-Nuveen is unstoppable!
"I appreciate Kathy's hard work to keep the Membership Committee focused on the ACWL's mission to increase and retain members while keeping the fun in our activities, and we did have some fun membership events!"
- Beth Pickard, ACWL-Nuveen Membership Committee member.
Shelley Williams
Shelley, our current Board chair is giving up her position of leading our 14-member Board after four years of dedicated service. Shelley's administrative background as former Director of the White Lake Area Community Library proved invaluable to us as she understands all the little details necessary to run a successful organization. We never hesitate to seek her guidance when there is a question about setting the board agenda, determining personnel policies, and handling sticky situations.
"What I appreciate about Shelley is she is an optimist but also a realist. She envisions great things to come for the Arts Council but also knows what it takes to get there. Her knowledge and experience have been invaluable. She also does not hesitate to roll her sleeves up and volunteer for the most unglamorous tasks. She is generous and funny and I will miss her on the board!"
- Ann Kraus, ACWL-Nuveen Board Member
Thank you Cindy, Jane, Peter, Kathy and Shelley!
We are SO grateful for your service on the Board and look forward to working with you in the future as you continue volunteering for your committee commitments! :)
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