Blue Earth County – OPEN

Brown County – DAVE WAHL, Springfield

Dave is a Navy Veteran, accomplished DIY'er, and jack of all trades whose many talents include singer, actor, and former musician. He is currently the Maintenance Manager at Sanborn Manufacturing in Springfield, EMT with the Springfield Ambulance Service, American Legion Post Commander, and City Planning and Zoning Commission member. Dave was extensively involved in theatre and music throughout high school and returned to the stage over ten years ago. He has been a board member of the Springfield Community Theatre since 2012 and has shifted his focus from acting to working behind the scenes in set construction and stage crew for the last several SCT productions.

Faribault County – JULIE FORDERER, Wells

Julie has a BA in Elementary Education, K-12 Special Education, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction.  She is a retired educator from United South Central Schools in Wells, where she worked in Special Education for grades K-4.  Julie has choreographed many school musicals and community theater events. She has written grants for the Faribault County Fair, has served as a grant reviewer for the Minnesota State Arts Board, and was a Regional Facilitator for the Minnesota Rural Arts Initiative. She was also an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato for six years.

LeSueur County – RANDY MEDIGER, Waterville

Randy is from Waterville and has a BS in Elementary Education and Minor in Music, MS Curriculum & Instruction, and Education Specialist: Administration. He previously served as Elementary Principal at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Public School and classroom teacher in Waterville, Henderson and Belle Plaine schools. He’s participated in a variety of music and theater performances in the past, and was a charter member of LeSueur Community Theater. He received the 2002 Arts Education Leadership Award from the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education.

Martin County – KERRY NAGEL-ALLEN

Kerry is currently a guardian and/or conservatorship for individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities and the elderly.  She has been involved in the developmental and mental health fields in many different roles for the past 40 years. Kerry is a past president of the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce.  She is a past president of the Fairmont Opera House.  She has been a volunteer at the Opera House for many years.

Nicollet County – MARK WAMMA, St. Peter 

Mark has a BA in Honors Music Performance. He is the Music Director and Operations Director for Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. He teaches violin and viola privately, at the New Ulm Suzuki School of Music, and as an adjunct instructor for these organizations: MN State University, Mankato, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, and Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.  He performs as a soloist and an orchestral musician. He is a founding member of the Two Rivers Community Orchestra and River Valley String Quartet serving as the coordinator and violinist for the latter. 

Sibley County – MICHAEL LOOFT, Winthrop

Michael is a dedicated public servant and advocate for the arts, known for his multifaceted contributions to his community. Currently serving as the City Administrator for Winthrop, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the local government. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to effective governance and community development. Beyond his professional role, Michael is an integral part of the annual Bavarian Blast music festival held in New Ulm, where he lends his support and expertise. With a passion for the arts, he has consistently championed diversity in artistic expression, recognizing the importance of inclusion and representation within the creative realm. In his personal life, Michael is an avid enthusiast of Clydesdale Horses. Alongside his partner, he spends his free time showcasing these majestic animals at various events and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. His dedication to both his civic responsibilities and personal interests underscores his well-rounded character and commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond.

Waseca County – DEVON LAWRENCE, Waseca 

Devon graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 2018 with a Music Education degree. There, he was a member of the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Now in year five of teaching, he directs the 9th-12th grade Concert Bands at Waseca Jr. Sr. High School in addition to the Pep Band, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and various other small ensembles. Other involvement from him includes serving River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps (Anoka, MN) in varying capacities, first as a member in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, then on the admin team (Assistant Corps Director and Corps Director) from 2017-2021 and is now the Program Coordinator for that organization. This group serves young musicians from all across the world, giving them an opportunity to participate in the Marching Arts on a professional scale. Lastly, Devon is a part of multiple performing groups in the area including Little Chicago (New Prague, MN) and Southern Minnesota's Real Big Band.

Watonwan County – SANDY SUNDE, St. James 

Sandy has a BA in English and MA in Education.  She is a retired Language Arts educator at St. James High School. Sandy was the co-editor of and contributor to “Your Story, My Story, Our Story” a published collection of immigrant stories. Sandy currently is a member of Uniting Cultures, Community Theater Board, multi-cultural fiesta planning committee, CAPP-Comprehensive Arts Planning Program, and council member and chair of Worship, Music, Arts Board First Lutheran Church. She previously was the director of 25 high school musical theater productions, 6 community theater musical productions, artistic director of St. James Trust Company, director of adult, youth and children’s choirs.

City of Fairmont – MONI HARPER

Moni is a lifelong resident of Martin County and a graduate of Mankato (now Minnesota) State University with a BS in Business Administration Marketing and Management. She retired as MRCI Fairmont Brand Manager in 2019. Moni has participated in the Fairmont City band for 46 years and the Trimont Centennial Band for 20+ years. She is the bugler for Fairmont VFW and Legion Honor Guard. She was also a former chairman of the Martin County Area Foundation and past president of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Fairmont Opera House and Civic Summer Theatre boards.

City of Mankato – EMILY HEINIS

Emily is a writer, communications professional, and former teacher. She has a BST in English Language Arts, an MA in Communication Studies, and an MFA in Creative Writing, all from Minnesota State Mankato. While in education, Emily taught across the ELA curriculum, with experience in theater, film, performance, and publishing. She won the Prentice Hall Developing Leadership Award from the MN Council of Teachers of English. She has served as Poetry and Visual Arts Editor for Blue Earth Review. Emily has also twice appeared in the national speaking series Listen to Your Mother. Her board experience includes Co-Chair of the ISD196 Early Childhood Advisory Council, Chair of the Reconciling in Christ Task Force in two congregations, and Emergency Shelter Council in Dakota County. When not working, Emily is reading, painting, doing yoga, or traveling with her spouse and two kids.

City of New Ulm – OPEN

City of North Mankato – OPEN

City of St. Peter – GABRIELA ROEMHILDT

Gabriela is a Minnesota transplant and former military spouse. She earned a Bachelors in American Studies, a Masters in Humanities, and a Masters in Library Science. She works for the St. Peter Recreation Department offering lifelong learning and entertainment programs for adults. Gabriela is involved in the community, particularly the American Legion Auxiliary and First Lutheran Church. She is an advocate for performing arts by being active in the Saint Peter High School Choir and having served as President of the Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is proud of her two daughters and passionately supports both of their pursuits.

At-Large – KJERSTIN MOODY