2023 Elected Board Members Announced!
The Ohio Arts Professionals Network, founded in 1960, is a member based organization whose mission is to support and grow the touring Arts & Culture industry in Ohio. We celebrate all of the voices, perspectives, and experiences of those who make Arts & Culture their life’s work. We actively welcome all people as part of the OAPN community regardless of race, socioeconomic class, color, national origin, religion, diverse perspectives, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, neurological or physical ability, veteran status, legal status, or education level. Our vision is to become the premier member organization in the state of Ohio that artists, agents, and presenters go to when participating in the touring arts industry. Read more about our history HERE.
The OAPN Board of Directors is governed by a volunteer board of directors which consists of arts and business professionals from Ohio and multiple states within the US. Newly elected board members will serve a two-year term starting January 2023.
Meet our new board members:
Abe Ambroza, CEO, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center
Born and raised in Lima, OH, Abe has a deep commitment to the Lima community. Abe joined the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center in May of 2016 and has since increased and retained revenue for the Civic Center (aside from 2020) nearly $600,000 by 4th year with cumulative annual increases through earned income, contributions, and sponsorships. Increased 150,000 annual foot traffic to center events up to 350,000 by 3rd year. Grew annual giving by 25% by leading effective development campaigns to encourage contributions. Increased corporate and estate giving by 200%. Navigated the venue through 2020 and 2021 utilizing virtual and other alternative events to retain customer and donor loyalty. 2022 foot traffic to center events is nearly equal to what had been largest ever number of visitors to the VMCCC in 2019. Based on advance bookings, 2023 is projected to be a record breaking year for the VMCCC in number of events and revenue.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I believe that I can bring a unique perspective as the CEO of a county owned building with county employees running a business tasked with operating without being a burden to the annual budget of Allen County while also serving as the liaison to the VMCCC Foundation which serves as the primary presenter of touring shows in our Crouse Performance Center.
David M. Finkel, Executive Director, The Strand Theatre
David is a graduate of Indiana University Theatre & Drama. He spent his career in business owning an auto parts distribution company with customers worldwide. Board service includes public, private, and not-for-profit. Founded a 369 seat performing arts center, the Strand Theatre with 150 performances per year. Work included establishing the 501c3 entity, forming a board of directors, acquisition, renovation, and operation of the theater. The Strand is now in its 15th year of operation and survived the Covid shutdown. Other recent not-for-profit boards experience; Our Hospice of South Central Indiana (12M budget), American Theatre Organ Society (200,000 budget), and several local not-for-profit organizations. Public boards include the School Board (50M budget), and currently 31 years in local government with the City of Shelbyville (31M budget). Own 251 Consulting and retired as president after 34 years from my automotive aftermarket distribution company. David is an active musician and licensed pilot. He brings experience, a business background, and boardsmanship to the organizations he serves. Audience development, membership, and fiscal stewardship are critical to the future of our organization. I would be honored to bring my skills in these areas to the OAPN board.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I attended my first OAPN Conference this year. We are in our 15th season with over 1,500 events presented. This will give me a good opportunity to get to know others, and expand the horizons of The Strand Theatre.
Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director, Verb Ballets
Dr. Carlson has worked nationally and internationally as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and arts administrator -- and was an original member of the Cleveland Ballet, serving as a Principal dancer from 1972-1983. Also, a member of Actors Equity, she performed in numerous musical theatre tours throughout the 1970’s. For many years, she choreographed for the Cleveland Opera. Dr. Carlson served as Director of the School of Dance at the University of Akron, she became Dean of the School of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, until she returned to Cleveland in 1999. She then served as the Development and Education Director for the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. Dr. Carlson founded the American Alliance of Dance Artists and served as its first President. She has served as a Board member and officer for Fairmount Center for the Arts, DANCECleveland, the Cleveland Ballet Council, the American Dance Guild, the Council of Dance Administrators, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Hong Kong Dance Company and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund. She served as the secretary of the International Organization for Transition for Professional Dancers, a sub-committee of UNESCO, based in Switzerland from 1998-2006, and was Treasurer and Board member of the American Dance Guild in NYC and was its vice-president for 10 years. Dr. Carlson currently serves on the board of trustees of Cleveland Dance Movement and Cleveland Chamber Symphony.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – to create a more vibrant arts culture in our community and state.
Edward Schoelwer, Founder/President at Red Shell Mgmt
Edward Schoelwer has made a professional career in performing arts production, management, sales and marketing for over 36 years with American Opera Auditions, New York Shakespeare Festival, Lotus Music and Dance, Shakespeare & Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and now as the founder and president of Red Shell Mgmt. Red Shell Mgmt was founded in 2018 and has grown to include representation for some of the finest fine arts attractions on the road in North America. The current roster includes: Limón Dance Company, Collage Dance Collective, Rhapsody in Black, New York Theatre Ballet, Contemporary West Dance Theatre, and Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. Recently relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, Edward is a member of APAP, NAPAMA, the Dramatists Guild, OhioDance, TNPresenters, PA Presenters, OAPN, the Mt. Adams Yacht Club and he is president of the board of directors of his condo association.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I would like to help activate more participation from people in our sector from across the small but mighty State of Ohio.
Peg McDonald, Associate Director, Stroede Center for the Arts
With 15 years of experience in a non-profit organization, I’ve held positions as Administrative Assistant, Marketing Director, Marketing & Artistic Director, and now Associate Director of the Stroede Center. I feel I have a well-rounded understanding of non-profit organizations. The skills I would bring to the OAPN board are positivity, communication, openness to new ideas, the ability to work with individuals in a group, and the ability to connect artists, agents, and presenters with each other. I also have excellent skills in organization, detail, and time management.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – OAPN is an organization that has grown and continues to grow in supporting the connection between artists, agents, and presenters. These connections wouldn’t be as strong or beneficial without OAPN. This organization holds us together. For example, the art world took a big hit with the recent covid shutdown. During that time, OAPN held us together with "Tuesday Talks" and open discussions. I would like to be part of that connection and continued growth. I think by working with artists, agents, and presenters through OAPN we can find solutions to bring the arts back to our communities even bigger and better.
Antoinette Kula, Senior Manager, Ticket Sales & Service, Playhouse Square
Antoinette is an energetic and innovative arts professional who resides as the Senior Manager of Ticket Sales and Service at Playhouse Square. In 2018, Antoinette pioneered the development of the Individual Ticket Sales and Service team. Her passion for musical theatre, data, and the patron journey have led her into this current role which focuses on providing superior experiences at Playhouse Square. Antoinette’s work is focused on striving to perfect the patron journey at each interaction with the patron; which she believes creates increased revenue and retention. She has previously held the roles of Season Ticket Services Coordinator and Guest Account Representative (Playhouse Square), Drama Director (Normandy High School) and Priority Sales (The Cleveland Play House). In addition to her professional career, Antoinette has performed in, directed, or costumed designed over 150 theatrical productions. She has presented at the EdTA State Thespian Conference and competed thru the American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Competition. Antoinette holds a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance from Ashland University and her Masters of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I grew up performing in Ohio arts organizations, studied musical theatre at Ashland University and have spent my career working in a variety of Ohio arts organizations. I have worked in small venues, schools, and now reside at Playhouse Square for the last 11 years of my career. Working as a teacher, performer, designer and creating teams a Playhouse Square has given me a wide variety of experience in the arts and I feel that it is my passion and mission to share my love and knowledge of the arts with others.
Erin Cameron Miller, General Manager at Cain Park
Having worked both sides of the stage, Erin brings a unique set of skills to her 19 years as General Manager at Cain Park. She was Production Manager at Cain Park for 10 years before becoming an Equity Stage Manager and then touring the world with David Copperfield as his Production Stage Manager. Erin has served on the OAPN Board of Directors for a total of nine years since 2006 and brings with her a deep history and knowledge of the organization. In 2011 she was awarded the OAPN Award of Merit.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I believe in the Ohio Arts Professionals community. This organization continues to do extraordinary things with and for professionals in the field and I feel honored to be a part of the work.
* Erika Finley, Director of Marketing, Live On Stage, Inc./Live Arts & Attractions
Erika brings organization and a fresh perspective as an under-35 arts industry employee. Her experience ranges from the agency side of the business, producing conferences and other events, connections to other arts industry colleagues across the country and internationally, training in fundraising and development, significant marketing experience, and the ability to work very well with others in order to accomplish tasks. She has six and a half years of business experience, and an additional three year of experience on the performance side. Currently, Erika is finishing her Masters of Arts in Arts Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising & Development from the University of Kentucky.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I have served on the OAPN board for the past year, and during that time have learned so much about the industry, my colleagues, and the changes that we have seen and that are likely forthcoming. I would like to serve a full term on the board to help OAPN navigate the industry changes that we are currently seeing, and to help OAPN establish it’s position within the industry as a go-to organization for facilitating productive business interactions within the arts and entertainment industry.
Sharon Edmond, Receptionist, Saint Luke's Foundation
Born to a big family with military parents in North Carolina, Sharon likes to consider herself a well-traveled southern belle. It's those roots that exposed her to all types of people, cultures, arts, music and dance. Coupled with her gifts of organization, attention to detail, creative imagination, concept design and contagious enthusiasm, her love of entertainment planning bloomed. She pursued her B.A. in Psychology at Hampton University. In her professional career, Sharon has extensive experience in the event industry and has expanded that involvement to non-profit organizations.
Prior to joining the Saint Luke’s Foundation, Sharon has worked in partnership with the American Heart Association, The Diabetes Partnership, CDF Freedom Schools, and Dancing Classrooms . These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for our region one program at a time, and aspires to one day create her own.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I want to expand the visibility of art and artists within Ohio and abroad. There is so much potential and talent in Ohio from schools like Cleveland School of the Arts to the hidden gems of our mural arts within different communities. With the mayors interest in the resurgence of arts and culture within Cleveland especially I want to be a part of the development.
Jerry Ross, Agent, Harmony Artists
I have been in the arts community for 30+ years and have always had a great affinity for the people and organizations I’ve gotten to know over the years. As I have gained years of experience working in the arts, one of the things I truly enjoy is being able to give back to that community. My experience has been 48 years as an agent with about 30 in the arts world. Having owned and operated Harmony Artists for almost 50 years, I would bring a great level of experience to the board. My skill set includes relationship building, sales, and a good understanding of contracts and agreements.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – During the pandemic, as we all changed the way we communicate, I was able to become far more involved in the OAPN community and was appreciative of the welcome I received. It would be an honor to contribute back through serving on the board.
* Margo Ohlson, Director, E.J. Thomas Hall The University of Akron
Margo has worked in the arts and non profit world for 18 years and brings the special skills of an investment into the arts for the future.
Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – to create a more vibrant arts culture in our community and state
