Festival Staff & Board of Directors
The Festival staff works part time year-round to plan and implement the Anacortes Arts Festival and its year-round events. The volunteer Board of Directors is an integral part of the Festival, ensuring that our organization successfully implements our mission.
Festival Staff
Executive Director, has an extensive background in event management and was the publisher of Event Solutions magazine, a trade publication for event professionals. Most recently she has been employed by United General Hospital as the Communications Coordinator in charge of events, marketing and fundraising. She worked as a Festival volunteer for more than five years prior to joining the staff.
Meredith McIlmoyle
Jennifer is the Operations Manager at the Festival, assisting the Director with office management, special event coordination, and vendor communications. She also manages booth artisan services, Collectors Club, and any other new event the Festival produces.
Jennifer Wilson
Kate is the Festival’s Communications Manager. She is in charge of Festival marketing and communications. She works on creative development and overseas the Festival’s Working Art Studios.
Kate Helmreich
Melissa is our Volunteer Coordinator – helping recruit, schedule and train approximately 250 volunteers each Festival. She has volunteered with the Festival herself and is the Executive Director of Fidalgo DanceWorks.
Melissa Turnage
Though not technically staff, Kerry has become part of the office team through her regular volunteering schedule. Able and willing to help as needed and with a positive attitude, Kerry exemplifies the perfect volunteer.
Kerry Allen
Board of Directors
Treva King
Treva, Board President, a former high school English teacher, currently works as the Executive Director and the Anacortes Schools Foundation. An avid supporter of performing and visual arts, Treva has been involved with Anacortes Community Theatre, on and off stage and as a Class ACT teacher, Skagit River Poetry Festival and Voices of the Children. She joined the board after enjoying AAF as a volunteer for several years.
Lisa Kuhnlein
Lisa, Board Vice President, is a commercial photographer working for local businesses and nonprofits in Skagit Valley. A longtime advocate for artists and art in the Anacortes School District, she is a Past Board President and the current chairman of the Fine Art Committee.
Mark Lione
Mark, Board Treasurer, is the former owner of the Cap Sante Inn and a community activist for tourism and economic development. His background includes time in the textile industry and professional theater. His broad business perspective and experience in hospitality make him a valuable addition to the Board.
Rita James
Rita, Board Secretary, is the Festival’s amazing Creative Manager. She works on creative development and oversees the Festival’s Fine Art Show and public art programs.
Mary Staley
Mary, Past Board President, has a background in marketing, and a creative brain that compliments event planning. She helped develop the Waterfront Pub and is our Board Coordinator for the Working Studios Area. Mary is also a community activist, volunteering her time to numerous community service efforts.
Jim MacDonald
Jim transitioned to the Board after years of volunteering for the Festival – including being named our Volunteer of the Year in 2017. His background is in broadcast media which brings with it experience in event planning and production.
Julie Nester
Julie, Past Board President, is a long-time Anacortes resident. She works as the City Clerk for the city of Oak Harbor, and spends her free time actively involved in the Anacortes Community Theater – both as an Actor and Director. She is a strong performance art advocate.
Steve Klein
Steve is a full time artist that lives in LaConner, WA where he maintains a studio and makes his distinctive kiln-formed and blown glass work. Steve teaches his unique approach to kiln working throughout the US, Europe and Asia. He also serves on the board of the Pilchuck Glass School.
Ora Petersen
As an Anacortes native, Ora is seeped both in the community and its rich artistic culture. She has a degree in studio art and history as a youth arts teacher, calligrapher, and visual artist. She has strong connections with regional artists and a desire to impact community arts.
John Sternlicht
John is the CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County and a relatively new Anacortes resident. He is a longtime arts supporter (visual, theater, choral…), and is currently involved through EDASC in strategies promoting arts, leisure and tourism as an important part of economic development and quality of life.
Marc Knowles
Marc is a multi-media artist and previous Festival booth artisan; in fact, winning the Best of the Fest Award in 2011 for his booth featuring glass, wood and metals. He is currently an elementary school principal and a youth arts education advocate. Marc is also the Production Manager for the Festival each August.