Museum appoints eight new trustees

People

Mar 12

Written By Staff

Top, left to right: Jennifer Drake, Aileen Strickland McGee, Liza Nedd, Robbie Reynolds.
Bottom, left to right: Jeffery Roberts, Erin Sarber, Ashley Soto, Ruth Posthumus.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) has elected new trustees and the re-elected returning trustees. The group brings a range of professional expertise, community leadership, and passion for the arts that will help support the Museum's mission and operations.

The following individuals have been appointed to serve as the new Museum Board of Trustees: Jennifer Drake, Aileen Strickland McGee, Liza Nedd, Robbie Reynolds, Jeffery Roberts, Erin Sarber, and Ashley Soto. Ruth Posthumus has been elected to the Grand Rapids Art Museum Foundation Board of Trustees.

Jennifer Drake is the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Grand Valley State University, where she leads academic strategy and innovation across the institution. Her work focuses on expanding access to education, supporting faculty teaching, research, and creative activity, and strengthening connections between the university and community.

Aileen Strickland McGee serves as Director of Impact, People + Planet at Steelcase, where she leads a team catalyzing collective action by reimagining systems and designing strategies that center the well-being of people and the planet. She is passionate about the power of design, cooperation, systems thinking, and presence to create more just, equitable, and regenerative futures.

Liza Nedd is a dedicated community leader, philanthropist, and advocate for arts and cultural engagement in West Michigan. In addition to her service on local committees and boards, Liza is an avid art collector.

Robbie Reynolds spent her career working in marketing research and product development. In addition to her board service with GRAM, she has contributed her time to several museum event committees.

Jeffery Roberts is the Founder and Principal of Jeffery Roberts Design. For over 40 years, Jeffery has worked at the intersection of interior design, fashion, architecture, and fine arts.

Erin Sarber serves as President of the Museum's volunteer council and has been a dedicated ambassador for GRAM through her volunteer service. Her deep engagement with volunteers and patrons strengthens community connection and institutional support.

Ashley Soto is a Global Employee Experience Analyst at Steelcase, where she partners across teams to translate employee insights into experience-driven strategy and change. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, she is the chair of GRAM's Visionnaire Executive Committee, supporting programs and events that cultivate lifelong engagement with GRAM among young creatives.

Ruth Posthumus is an Adjunct Education Professor at Calvin University and a practicing artist. She has dedicated her career to supporting young people through education, having previously served as principal of Kenowa Hills Middle School and as a teacher at Oakdale Christian School.

The Museum also celebrates the continued service of trustees Scott Branc, Pat Brewer, India Manns, Stephanie Naito, and Carol Sarosik, who have been re-elected to serve additional terms on the museum board. In addition, Thomas DeMeester continues his service on the foundation board.

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