About ArtsPartners

Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright

Executive Director

She/Her/Hers
Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright holds a master’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy in the digital humanities field from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, with a teaching background in the sciences and humanities. In addition to her role as Executive Director at ArtsPartners, she is Affiliate Faculty and Coordinator of Public History at Bradley University. Past roles include Executive Director of Big Picture Peoria, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and as an educator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Mae currently serves as Vice Chair on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and sits on the City of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory Commission. In the past, she sat on the Board of Directors of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Acorn Equality Fund, Public Relations Association of Central Illinois, and ART, Inc., along with various other committees with area organizations like Align Peoria and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Mae received the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award, which honors emerging leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and serve as a role model for young women. In 2020, she received the 25 Women in Leadership Award from WEEK - 25 News. She is a member of Americans for the Arts and Women in Leadership of Central Illinois. In her spare time, Mae enjoys reading, gardening with her husband Jonathan, and catching up on podcasts.

• [email protected]
• 706 W. Main St. Peoria, IL 61606

Rachel Dart

Community Engagement Coordinator

She/Her/Hers
Rachel Dart received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting through Friends University. She was a professional ballet dancer for the previous seven years, but she continues to teach and inspire students of all ages. In addition to her role with ArtsPartners, Rachel has opened and started her own dance studio, Affinity Illinois Dance Center. She teaches students starting at age 2 and has several adult classes each week. Her favorite ArtsPartners program is Ignite Peoria and loves to see all of the creativity sparked in the community on that day each year!

• 309-676-2787
• [email protected]
• 706 W. Main St. Peoria, IL 61606

Lily A. Blouin

Bookkeeper

Lily A. Blouin is a freelance nonprofit professional with over 10 years experience working in the nonprofit sector. A Licensed consultant through the Standards for Excellence Institute© and certified BoardSource consultant, Lily specializes in nonprofit administration and leadership development, bookkeeping, financial analysis, and strategic visioning. Lily holds an M.A. in History and B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University and is a Certified Strategic Planning Facilitator through the Consultants Development Institute. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board for United Way of Greater Warren County and is an active member of the Illinois Theatre Association, Educational Theatre Association, and National Dance Education Organization. Lily is also an active theatre artist, educator, and community arts advocate, and can often be found performing on a community theatre stage or behind the scenes as a director, dance choreographer, fight director, or intimacy choreographer.

Megan Pedigo

President

She/Her/Hers
Megan Pedigo has been involved with ArtsPartners of Central Illinois since the launch of Ignite Peoria back in 2014. Megan enjoys exploring the arts alongside her twin daughters. Their favorite activities include Ignite Peoria, Sculpture Walk, and the amazing exhibits at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. She works at Easterseals Central Illinois as the Director of Marketing and Communications. She is a member of the Illini Bluffs Elementary School Board, WCBU Advisory Board and board member with the Public Relations Society of America - Central Illinois Chapter. Megan originally from Sycamore, Illinois, Megan has lived in the Peoria area for over 13 years. She is a graduate of Western Illinois University.

Ross Miller

Vice President

Ross guides entrepreneurs that are looking to scale product-based businesses nationally and globally through his company Sherpa Enterprises, LLC. He currently is involved in investor relations and business strategy as part of the Legal team of Natural Fiber Welding (NFW). NFW produces proprietary eco-friendly materials for the fashion and automotive industries.
Previously, Ross spent 19+ years advising local businesses at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University. During that time he advised over 3500 clients and was connected with 300+ startups and 15 acquisitions. He taught innovation courses in the Foster College of Business as well as co-founded Brave Launch, a business accelerator.
Ross also has experience in web development and advertising, working with Global 500 manufacturers and small businesses throughout the US. Ross has a core belief that supporting artists in the region is the best way to maintain and develop a unique community culture that makes the Greater Peoria Area a desirable place to live.

Kevin Evans

Secretary and Business of Art Chair

Kevin has a wide range of leadership, economic, and business development expertise. Previously, Kevin is the founder of Snave Trading a broker dealer and member of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Managing Member of Snave Partners Limited an Investment Trading partnership and Kevin Evans & Associates an employee benefits consulting firm, combined more than 25 as an entrepreneur, he transitioned to business mentoring and advising spending 3 years between 2016 – 2019 as the Director for the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University. During his tenure at the SBDC, Kevin assisted more than 400 business in their startup and growth goals. In addition, he is certified as a Business Development Advisor through the Illinois Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth Association, Illinois Entrepreneurship Network, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He also holds certificates from VentureWell, Lean LaunchPad Educator and serves as a Co.Starters Facilitator.

Robert Parkhurst

Treasurer

Bob Parkhurst is a CPA with 35 years of experience in public accounting, for profit, and nonprofit companies. He has held leadership positions with organizations in the direct marketing, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries. Bob is the CFO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois where he leads the Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Marketing/Communications teams. Bob and his wife Jenny reside near Peoria, Illinois. They are both active community volunteers and supporters of the performing arts. Bob has served as President and Treasurer of various arts organizations in Central Illinois including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, The Peoria Symphony Foundation, and Corn Stock Theatre. Bob is a current board member of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois. Jenny and Bob have two grown children residing in Peoria and New York City.

Frannie Heine

Past President

Frannie was born and raised in Peoria, IL and attended Illinois State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in International Business. She has spent her career at Maui Jim Sunglasses where she’s held various roles across Human Resources, Global Operations, and Supply Chain. Frannie’s passion for travel and exploring new cultures has led her to work closely with Maui Jim’s international teams, including a 5-year assignment in Dubai, UAE. In her current role as Director of Domestic Fulfillment and Global Logistics, Frannie oversees all logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment functions. She leads a team of 70+ individuals to move Maui Jim’s products from our manufacturers to our distribution centers and customers around the world. Frannie was recently honored as a 2022 recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award through Illinois State University’s College of Business. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, where she also sits on the Ignite Peoria Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Peoria Grown, a local food insecurity charity. In her spare time, Frannie enjoys participating in book clubs, curating trips for friends and family, and attending art events and local farmers markets with her husband and daughter.

David Aduama

Board Member

David is a dedicated communications professional with a passion for leveraging the arts to drive community development and engagement. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, David brings over a decade of experience in Public Relations, Branding, Programmatic Communications, and Marketing, with a strong background in development and social enterprise sectors. Currently, David serves as the Communications Manager for the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, where he plays a key role in promoting economic growth in the region through strategic communication efforts. His approach to communication is deeply rooted in storytelling, visualization, and creative techniques, which he uses to connect with diverse audiences and demographics. David’s commitment to the arts and community service extends beyond his professional role. As a board member of Arts Partners of Central Illinois, he is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community that enhances the cultural fabric of the region. David believes in the transformative power of the arts to inspire change, bridge communities, and contribute to the overall well-being of society. His extensive experience includes collaborations with international organizations such as the United Nations and ECOWAS, as well as leading communications for the USAID-funded West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program. Now proudly residing in the Greater Peoria area, David continues to contribute his expertise and passion to enrich the local arts scene and support initiatives that promote creativity and cultural engagement.

Chelsea Carmona

Board Member

A Colorado native, Chelsea Carmona and her family placed roots in Peoria, Illinois in 2019. Chelsea is the Account Manager for Old School Alex, overseeing international accounts and business for the artwork created by artist, Alex Carmona. She is also co-owner to ArtHAUS, an annual art event showcasing home/art studio tours. Chelsea serves as a board member for Arts Partners of Central Illinois, where she also sits on the Ignite Peoria committee. She has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) since 2022, is an involved member of Women in Leadership of Central Illinois, and actively volunteers her time and skills to her kids’ schools. Chelsea has been with State Farm since 2012, serving in various leadership roles. She recently served as a Consultant for the organization advising on topics related to department interactions, strategic challenges, and enterprise dynamics. Chelsea is now leading leaders in operations with a blend of strategic oversight, process optimization, and team development. Chelsea is an avid reader, likes to think she is a coffee connoisseur, and is passionate about food, travel, and creating experiences. She believes in, and stands for, kindness, respect, integrity, and courage. Chelsea and her husband, Alex, have three spunky children – and love their life together.

Everley Davis

Sky Art Chair and Board Member

Everley Davis is the community and ESI engagement coordinator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. In addition to managing the museum’s innovative flagship program, the Every Student Initiative, Everley also works closely with the curations team. She has lent her hand to exhibitions like “Life and Legacy of Annie Malone” and was an integral part of bringing nationally renowned artist Alfred Conteh to the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Davis has worked with the Peoria Riverfront Museum since May 2021, and some of the major achievements in her tenure include: producing “Project Fashion Show,” which used grants from Art Bridges to allow high school students to create garments based off of Andy Warhols’ Endangered Species Prints, being the liaison for an original piece from artist Alfred Conteh and working tirelessly to strengthen the quality of the Every Student Intiative program, which serves 44 schools in the central Illinois area. Previous to her time at the museum, Everley worked with Art Inc., first as a program coordinator and then as a teacher. Her experience with Art Inc. lends her a strong background in education, as well as a strong connection to her community. Everley serves as the chair of the Sky Art committee, sits on the board of ArtsPartners in central Illinois, and was one of the founding members of not-for-profit organization Peoria Grown. When Mayor Rita Ali chose 50 emerging role models in Peoria’s Black community, Everley was honored to be among those selected. Everley is a Peoria native, an equestrian, and though she is passionate about travel, she has strong home-town connections and loves to spend time with family.

Dr. Sarah Glover

Board Member

Sarah Glover teaches courses in Medieval Art, Northern Renaissance Art, Art Criticism and Gender in Art. She received a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Virginia where she specialized in the study of medieval manuscripts. Her early research focused on the iconography of illustrations of Marian miracles appearing in devotional books made for women in late Medieval England. Her study of medieval art extends beyond the illuminated page to consider the use of medieval imagery and Marian iconography in contemporary art and textile design. She has published on a wide range of topics from the Marian Miracle Cycle at Eton College to the motif of the Vagina Dentata in contemporary American visual culture. Her current research focuses on the use of Medieval and Renaissance art in the fashion industry and digital textile design.

Allison Gottwald

Board Member

A proud Peoria native, Allison has been involved with ArtsPartners of Central Illinois since starting as a committee member for both the Business of Art and Ignite Peoria. Passionate about the arts, she frequently attends performances at the Peoria Civic Center and concerts by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoys exploring local treasures like the Peoria Riverfront Museum and participating in events such as the Sculpture Walk and First Fridays. Allison is the Director of Human Resources at Easterseals Central Illinois, where she leads HR operations. She holds degrees in Human Resource Management from Purdue University and Bradley University. In addition to her professional role, Allison serves on the boards of Heart of Illinois SHRM and the Women's Fund Advisory Board of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. She also volunteers as a Big Sister with Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a Classroom Volunteer with Junior Achievement of Central Illinois. Allison is passionate about ArtsPartners because she believes in the power of the arts to bring people together and strengthen the community.

Joshua Herman

Board Member

Joshua has practiced law since 2008, concentrating in municipal law, school law, employment law, commercial law, and related litigation.
Joshua received his Bachelor’s degree in 2003 from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. After his deployment to Iraq as an Army Reservist, Joshua attended the Chicago-Kent and the University of Illinois Colleges of Law.
While at the University of Illinois, Joshua received the Best Trial Advocate and Best Oral Advocate awards in addition to being on the Green National Moot Court Team. In 2008 he obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Rickert Awards for Excellence in Advocacy and Excellence in Academics. He is also a member of the Order of the Coif.
Joshua is admitted to practice in Illinois.

Stacy Peterson

Board Member

Stacy Peterson serves as the Strategic Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the City of Peoria. In this role, she works across all departments and enjoys communicating all aspects of the City with community members and visitors. She has been involved with the arts in Peoria as the Fine Art Fair Coordinator for the Peoria Art Guild, served as member of the Steering Committee of SculptureWalk Peoria, and many other arts initiatives. She is a board member of Arts Alliance Illinois, the Dirksen Congressional Center, Community Foundation of Central Illinois, CWTC, and the Friends of the Peoria Public Library.

Donald Shafer

Board Member

Don Shafer has resided in the Peoria area since graduation from Illinois State University in December 1976. He has worked the majority of his business career in financial services. Over the past 46 years Don has served in a variety of capacities on boards of several community organizations in the community, including the Alumni Association Board of his alma mater for 20 years, and has volunteered for various charitable entities in the Peoria region. Don was honored with the Tom Connor Community Service Award from the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Don’s current role at Illinois Central College is as Executive Director of the IT Accelerator Project, managing a Federal grant to provide free training to create over 1,000 IT jobs in the region. Don is married to Barb, and they have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren.

Joe Spanier

Board Member

He/Him/His
Joe has worked in the manufacturing space of Peoria for the last 15+ years at Caterpillar, and a few local start ups as an automation engineer. He was a founding member of Peoria's community makerspace RiverCityLabs and is a board member for Ignite Peoria since its second year.

Dr. Marwin Spiller

Board Member

He/Him/His
Dr. Marwin J. Spiller is a professor of sociology at Elmhurst University, Grand Canyon University, City Colleges of Chicago, Triton College, and Heartland Community College. Prior to these positions, he served on the faculty at Bradley University, University of Maine, and Lincoln College. In addition to his experience in the classroom, Dr. Spiller held an academic administrative appointment at Illinois Central College where he served as Dean of the Social Sciences and Public Services division. Dr. Spiller received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a M.A. in Sociology from Western Illinois University. Dr. Spiller has written extensively on American political attitudes and behaviors, social and economic inequality, and the school to prison pipeline publishing in some of academia’s most selective journals. In addition to these endeavors, Dr. Spiller is also actively involved in his community. He is the President of the Peoria Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, fraternity incorporated, sits on the committee for the City of Peoria’s Tourism Reserve Fund, and serves as a board member for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois and the African American Hall of Fame Museum.

Nicole Sutherland

Board Member

As Communications Analyst for RLI Insurance Company, Nicole prepares and reviews internal/external communications and provides product marketing and social media content support. She brings over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications and events to this role. In her previous role as Senior Marketing Manager for Cullinan Properties, her responsibilities included leading the marketing team in the implementation of leasing, consumer and corporate marketing strategies for Cullinan and its projects/developments such as RockRun Collection, the award-winning Levee District, Streets of St. Charles and Peoria-area office properties. She also managed public relations and corporate communications. Nicole coordinated all aspects of Cullinan Properties’ presence at regional and national industry trade shows including onsite coordination and vendor relations. Prior to joining Cullinan Properties, Nicole was an Event Manager at the Peoria Civic Center where she was an integral part of the event services team specializing in exhibit hall, theater, arena and meeting space management. Nicole is active in the Peoria community and has served as an Executive Board Member for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Keep Peoria Beautiful and the Springdale Historical Preservation Foundation. She currently lends her time and expertise to the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Marketing Committee. A graduate of Illinois State University, Nicole also completed the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School in 2018. She was a recipient of Peoria’s 40 Leaders Under Forty award in 2019 and has been awarded several American Advertising Awards.

Dr. Julie Traenkenschuh

Board Member

Dr. Julie Traenkenschuh grew up in Peoria and after attending Bradley University and majoring in music education, began her teaching career as the band director at Nauvoo-Colusa schools in Nauvoo, IL. In 2001, she returned to Peoria as the director of the Woodruff High School Band from 2001-2009, the Fine Arts Director for Peoria Public Schools from 2008-2010, and the director of the Peoria Jazz AllStars from 2003-2010. In 2009, Julie became the Assistant Principal of Woodruff High School and spent the next three years in Peoria Public Schools administration before leaving in 2012 to become the Principal of Illini Bluffs High School in Glasford, IL. Since 2015, Julie has worked for OSF HealthCare as a Director in Performance Improvement and Innovation. Her current role at OSF is focused on execution of complex, strategic projects across the organization, partnerships with early-stage health tech companies and portfolio management. Julie has remained an active musician in the area having played trumpet with the Peoria Municipal Band, Prairie Wind Ensemble, Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra and currently plays in and conducts the Peoria Heights Community Band. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bradley University, a Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music and a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, with research focused on system level partnerships between education and health care and current research focused on health literacy.