The Geauga Council for Arts & Culture Board is composed of individuals with experience in non-profit and for-profit organizations including expertise in event planning, leadership, marketing and research. Many of our board members are also artists, musicians and representatives of organizations that support art in our community.
We’re pleased to introduce our current board:
Ann Prusha is our President and a founding member of our council. She has been elected president of the board for 2 consecutive terms. She currently the Executive Director of the Geauga County Library Foundation. She has a Bachelor Degree from Allegheny College and a Master’s degree from Kent State University. Ann and her husband, an artist and builder of covered bridges, have lived in Geauga County for 37 years. In addition to providing leadership for our council, Ann has been a driving force behind Ovations: our county’s “academy awards” for performances in high school musicals.
Our Vice President is Frank Fende. Frank, and his wife, moved to Geauga county over 30 years ago to raise their family. He is an artist, photographer a 2 year member of our board. Employed by Chesterland News, Frank has an Associate Degree in Machine Design from Cleveland Engineering and an Associate Degree in Business from Lakeland Community College. Combining his passion for photography and technology, Frank has chaired our newest event: Virtual Geauga.
Andrew Bushman is our Treasurer and a 1 year member of our board. He is a life long resident of Geauga County and very active in his community. Andy is employed by Progress Insurance and holds a Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance and Management from Walsh University. He is a member of Leadership Geauga and Vice Chairman of Munson Township. Andy has been instrumental in organizing our finances and establishing investments.
A board member for 8 years, Teresa Runion is a talented jewelry artist. She has lived in Geauga county for 18 years and works for the Geauga Park District. In addition to raising her children, Teresa is a Team Captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life campaign and a member of the Geauga People for Parks. She is currently the acting Secretary for GCAC and she chairs the annual Art Takes a Bough holiday event.
A founding member of our board, Betty Koelliker, is a multi talented artist. Betty is a painter, sculptor and does paper cutting. She has lived in Geauga county for over 40 years and is a graduate of the Frances Payne Bolton Western Reserve University school of Nursing. She is an active member of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Guild of Nature Artists and Creative Artists. Betty is champion and coordinator of our Art in the Mart program featuring art exhibits at the Geauga Y and New York Deli.
Ralph Neumeister is a founding member of our board and a talented blacksmith. He is a resident of Geauga county. He is focused on helping families and children appreciate arts and culture through hands-on activities. His tin punch and rope making have been a favorite of families visiting our tent at the Chardon Art Show and other promotional events.
Sara Peltier has been a board member for 7 years. She is talented pianist, organist and vocalist active in her church vocal and hand bell choirs. She is a retired music teacher who earned her undergraduate music education degree from King’s College and her graduate, education certificate from University of Dela. She and her husband, a retired history professor, have written and performed programs designed to educate school students on the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Their programs feature popular music from each era. Sara is an active member of PEO’s social and music committees. PEO is a women’s sorority raising funds for women’s education.
Kate Ritchie, a musician, vocalist and story teller was elected to our board about 1 year ago. She has lived in Geauga county for 30 years. Kate currently performs at various events throughout the county. She is employed at the Geauga County Department on Aging. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Kent State University. Her enthusiasm, organization skills and musical talents have been applied to GCAC sponsored, public events such as Art in the Garden and Incredible, Edible Art.
Another 1 year member of our board is Mindy Baierl. She has lived, with her husband and children, in Geauga county for over 10 years. Mindy is a consultant with Saratoga Enterprises, Inc and a part-time faculty member at Lakeland Community College. She earned her Bachelor Degree from Smith College and her MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Mindy is applying her strategic management and marketing skills to updating our promotional tools and revising our strategy.
Our newest board member is Mary Ray. Mary has been a part of the GCAC Board for less than 1 year. She has lived in Geauga county for over 20 years. She is employed by University Hospitals as a Research Assistant. Mary has her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from Ursuline College. Mary is passionate about art and greatly appreciates our county’s farming culture. She is a co-advisor for Flockmasters 4H Club. Her skills have already been put to use researching systems to better managing and sharing our membership and organizational information.
