Andie Balenger holds an M.S. in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism from Northern Michigan University. Her academic research focused on creating a place-based stewardship model for individuals seeking to collaborate with Indigenous communities.

Jinx Brew, Executive Director of The Braumart Theatre, leads the historic 1925 Iron Mountain venue, revitalized as a hub for arts, culture, and community events. She oversees restoration efforts, programming, and initiatives that ensure the theatre’s enduring role in the region.

Kelly Chamberlin, Executive Director of the Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis, MI, leads a vibrant hub offering 150+ annual events. With strong volunteer support and community partnerships, she expands arts access, education, and cultural tourism across the eastern Upper Peninsula.

At Tibbits Opera House, one of Michigan’s oldest historic theatres, built in 1882, Christine Delaney has overseen operations, fundraising, and programming, for over 20 years, raising $4.3 million for the theatre's ongoing restoration.

Kristine Hunter, MFA, is Art Faculty and Fine Arts Coordinator at Bay College. Kristine is an interdisciplinary artist who investigates memory and exhibits both nationally and internationally. In 2023 Granger established, Rock Street Artist Residency, at her home in Marquette MI.  

Executive Director of the historic Calumet Theatre Nathan Jones oversees operations, administration, and community engagement in Michigan’s only municipally built theatre, a Renaissance Revival gem opened in 1900.

Jane Lynch has served Escanaba Public Library since 2018 on the Marketing, Programming & Outreach team, leading social media, programs, and the Bookmobile. A Copper Country native, she lives in Escanaba with her husband, enjoys music, reading, and family time, and is active in local ensembles.

Duane Peck serves as the Board Treasurer at the historic Braumart Theater in Iron Mountain, MI. The Braumart supports established artists and provides educational resources with a mission to inspire emergent artists in the Dickinson County region.

Amy Lynne Pobanz is a visual artist, arts educator, and leader. After 25 years teaching visual arts, she now serves as Arts Lead for MI Creative Potential, Special Projects Manager at Midland Center for the Arts, and co-founder of the Great Lakes Bay Region Arts & Culture Network.

Amelia Pruiett is Arts & Culture Communications Coordinator for the City of Marquette. With a background in marketing, design, and storytelling, she brings creativity and strategy to community engagement, drawing on her NMU degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Management.

Amy Quinn, Executive Director at Grow & Lead, brings experience in child advocacy, nonprofit management, and corporate leadership. With a B.S. from Colorado State and an MBA from NMU, she enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and home projects.

Dr. Philip Rice is a composer, poet, designer, and nonprofit leader with 10+ years transforming communities through the arts. A lifelong artist dedicated to Michigan and the Midwest, he lives on Mackinac Island and works to strengthen quality of life and the creative economy.  

With 16 years at the Veterans Administration, Sarah Rice champions mental health and the arts. Founder of Iron Mountain Public Arts Advisory, she leads Borderland Arts, serves on boards including the Braumart and the Alliance, and lives in Iron Mountain with her husband and sons.

Susan Roll, Industrial Engineer and arts leader, served as Executive Director of the Bonifas Arts Center and helped found the Upper Peninsula Arts & Culture Alliance. With two decades in manufacturing and business coaching, she now advances regional arts, serves Escanaba’s Planning Commission, and creates costumes.

Kristin Underhill is the managing director of the historic Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls, and a member of the Alliance Board of Directors. The Crystal Theatre is a restored vaudeville theatre built in 1927. It is on the Michigan/Wisconsin border and has a full concert season during the summer months.  

Barb Whitney is an artist, educator, and advocate. She directs operations for MI Creative Potential, teaches at MSU, and works with the Kennedy Center Partners in Education. Her abstract art explores light and emotion, centering equity, youth, and the power of creativity to heal and connect.