Thom Hawley has worked at West Shore Community College since 2002, and currently serves as the Executive Director of College Relations. He oversees marketing and public relation initiatives, the college’s Foundation, the Business Opportunity Center, and the Performing Arts Series. Thom was the first Executive Director of the Mason County Historical Society and was responsible for the opening of White Pine Village. Prior to joining the college’s administration, he was the Director of Public & Media Relations for the Lake Michigan Carferry service, operator of the S.S. Badger based in Ludington. He has also worked in radio and television in west Michigan and the Detroit area. Thom has served in leadership roles on a number of local, statewide, and national boards of directors. He is also the Vice President of SJS Ventures, which operates Jamesport Brewing Company in Ludington.

Heather L-V Tykoski has been the Community Development Director for the City of Ludington for over 12 years. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in political theory and constitutional democracy from James Madison College at Michigan State University. She also earned a Master of Public Administration at Central Michigan University. In addition to serving as an adjunct professor of political science at Ferris State University, Heather has successfully secured and managed foundation grants at the federal, state, and local level. Heather has served as a board member of the Ludington Area Arts Council for six years.

Denise Ottinger retired and moved to Ludington in 2016 Denise spent 40 years as Student Affairs Administrator for colleges and universities in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. She stays involved with the community by volunteering with LACA, Zonta, Optimist Club, and Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood (PEO). Denise enjoys attending art fairs and offering support “starving artists.”

Sandie Holcombe graduated from Michigan State University in the 1970s with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After over 30 years as an entrepreneur in the concrete industry, Sandie recently sold her two businesses. Besides the arts council, Sandie is also active within the community as a member of Zonta International.

Monty Ashton is a singer / songwriter / guitarist. He started later in life on that path, and prior to his music career, Monty was an entrepreneur in the environmental industry, co-founding ProAct Services Corporation. After finding his way as a musician, Monty was voted #1 Original Artist in Tampa Bay in 2014. Monty enjoys spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, and is glad to be back in Ludington after 16 years in Florida.

Justin David Gustafson is a professional fine artist and oil painter. Gustafson’s work can be seen on his website, JDGus.com, and is available for commission. Born and raised in Ludington, he graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2002. Gustafson moved around the country for 20 years only to return, having decided there is no place like home.

Bill Kerans serves as the Director of the Scottville Area Senior Center. He offers his expertise as a communications specialist by serving on the arts council’s fundraising and performance committees.

Dave Preston is a semi-retired lawyer who is of counsel at Varnum Attorneys at Law as a member of the Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Practice Team. He attended law school at the University of Toledo, prior to which he and his family lived in Colorado where he worked as an environmental manager. Dave is a strings musician who can be found practicing as part of LACA’s Wednesday Jammers group. He also enjoys oil painting and serving as part of the arts council’s programming committee. Dave’s advice? “First, keep your sense of humor. Second, pay attention to the first thing.”

Shelby Soberalski is a proud Ludington native with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a minor in art history from Ferris State University. Shelby is a proud autism sibling, farmer and volunteer. A former queen herself, Shelby has recently been named a Co-director of the Miss Ludington Area pageant. She is excited to be a part of LACA and to support the arts in any capacity.

Brad Reed and his dad, Todd Reed, work together as full-time outdoor landscape and wildlife photographers. In 2005, Brad’s image “Power & Light” won runner up in the emerging artist category in the Nikon International Photography Contest. Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Calvin College. After beginning pursuit of a Master of Social Work, he decided instead to follow his heart by embracing his love for photography, a journey which started for him as a young boy. Brad has two children, Julia and Ethan, and he loves to hang out with his family. Together, they enjoy hunting and sports of all kinds.

Bridget Ennis graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking. Bridget has worked at a number of art galleries and institutes in Michigan, including A.M. Galleries, JM Galleries, Gwen Frostic Prints, and Interlochen Arts Camp. She has served as the LACA Volunteer Coordinator for the past four years. Bridget is a stay-at-home mom and owns her own print shop, Ludington Letterpress.

Bachelor’s degree from Albany State Teachers College in high school teaching Latin and French. Used my language skills in my employment as a staff writer for 32 years at the Ludington Daily News. Served as volunteer service area manager for 20+ Girl Scout troops in Ludington for 18 years. Currently, an active volunteer at LACA serving as scribe and pursuing my creativity in collage and acrylics.