Our Board

Board Chair

Pamela Anderson, a celebrated abstract artist from Milwaukee, is known for her bold, colorful strokes and dynamic gestural movement. As a full-time artist and Managing Director of Material Studios + Gallery, Pamela brings a creative and strategic perspective to our board. Her leadership experience includes serving as President of the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN) and Board Chair since 2019. Recognized as the Pfister Artist in Residence in 2016, Pamela’s work is held in prominent private and corporate collections. Her commitment to the arts and innovative thinking drive our organization’s mission forward.

Director

Edessa College of Design | Dean of Academics

ldixon@edessacollege.org

Lynne has been in higher education for over thirty five years teaching apparel design and marketing as well as interior design.  She has been the campus director for the Art Institute of Wisconsin in Milwaukee’s third ward.  Lynne has also taught for University of Delaware, Mt. Mary University and MATC.  Most recently she is the founder of a new four year college of apparel design and fashion marketing called Edessa School of Fashion housed right here in MARN.  Edessa’s programs opened in 2022. Her bachelor’s degree is in Interior Design and Architectural Planning, while her master’s degree is in Textiles and Clothing, both from Western Kentucky University.  She is a native of Nashville, TN, a wife of forty-one years and the mother of two amazing adult sons.  She recently became a mother-in-law and a grandmother.

While pursing her career in higher education, Lynne successfully published many times and acquired several museum credits.  The most notable being the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.  She has a garment in their permanent collection.  She has had three garments in the permanent collection of the Black Fashion Museums in both Harlem NY, and Washington DC.  Her latest exhibition was with Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, WI.

Lynne has served on over ten arts boards while living in Milwaukee, and looks forward to a wonderful experience with MARN!

Board Treasurer

Wipfli, Director

finance1@marnarts.org

Ron Bote is a seasoned tax and finance accountant with over 25 plus years of experience in public accounting and private industry.    Ron is a core leader of Wipfli’s growing technology industry practice.  He is passionate about assisting startups and emerging companies get connected with resources and help facilitate their growth from formation to exit.  He serves on the Madison Public Library Foundation, 100state and Wisconsin Innovation Awards boards.  Ron holds BS in accounting and masters in taxation from DePaul University in Chicago. 

Board Vice Chair

Third generation Horicon Bank President, Digital Banker, Writer and Art Lover with an education background in art history and visual culture.

“I am still passionate about these subjects and their ability to illuminate our present experience. I am actively involved in leadership roles for local cultural non-profit organizations in Horicon and West Bend, with the Horicon Marsh Education Center and Museum of Wisconsin Art respectively. Both organizations are involved in enhancing the visitor experience. I also serve on the State of Wisconsin’s Arts Board.”

Secretary

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

ldelaet@summerfest.com

Lena DeLaet is the Director of Sales & Summerfest Tech for Milwaukee World Festival, Inc, which produces Summerfest.  She is a Wisconsin native and has lived in the Milwaukee area for nearly 20 years.  Lena considers herself a “champion of Milwaukee” and has been actively involved in the city both personally and professionally.  Previously, Lena served in various roles while at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and WISN Channel 12.  For the past five years, she has been with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., working with the corporate sponsors that support Summerfest.

Lena is also the Director of Summerfest Tech, which convenes all sectors of the tech community around relevant speakers and programming, while also integrating the music festival as part of the agenda. Under her leadership, Summerfest Tech has grown from a 3-hour local event to a three-day national event, with over 2,000 registrants.

Lena gives back to her community through a variety of board and committee placements within the Wisconsin Tech Association, Meta House, and i.c.stars. Through her professional and volunteer roles, she provides the organizations with a variety of experiences, including marketing, sales, networking, and connections.  Personally, Lena enjoys everything about Milwaukee – the food, nightlife, festivals, the lakefront, concerts and live music, and spending time with her dog, Bella. She is a proud graduate of Marquette University.

Board Member

Manny Lara is a seasoned HR leader with 17 years of experience, primarily in the healthcare industry, working with major systems like Ascension Health, Mayo Clinic, and Advocate Aurora Health. Currently, he serves as the Chief HR Officer for Bartolotta Restaurants, overseeing people operations for 17 locations with over 500 staff. Manny is also deeply involved in the Milwaukee community, providing HR expertise to nonprofits like Meta House and Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. A Marquette University graduate and former Navy officer, Manny has called Milwaukee home for 20 years and is a proud father of three.