Board of Directors
Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough, Chairperson
Retired Executive Director, Mediation & Restorative Services
A resident of Whitehall, Kate is an active community volunteer in West Michigan. In addition to her engagement with WMS, she is former chair of True North Community Services and active in Muskegon Rotary as a member of its DEI Committee. She has lent her expertise and experience in the not-for-profit sector to help guide WMS’s Audience Committee efforts to build patron loyalty. She is inspired by downtown Muskegon’s revitalization and believes WMS and the other arts and culture organizations play a vital role. Previously, Kate served as Executive Director of Mediation & Restorative Services.
Susan Cloutier Crain, Immediate Past Chairperson
Retired Executive Director, Disability Network
A West Michigan resident by birth and upbringing, Susan began attending WMS years ago, while working in a commuting job, as a way to stay connected to her beloved lakeshore community. Attending concerts and bringing friends has become an important part of her life and a way of self-enrichment. Past Executive Director of Disability Network/West Michigan, past president of Muskegon Rotary and former trustee of Harbor Hospice, Susan brings a community engagement sensibility to her work with WMS. Even before joining the WMS Board, she and her late husband Orville spearheaded the campaign to bring outdoor all-weather musical instruments to eight Muskegon parks. She has fostered an organization-wide focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Merica S Dobry, Secretary
Senior Council, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Growing up with three brothers, Merica learned the art of negotiation early on; “you should be a lawyer!” was a frequent family refrain. Taking this advice, Merica attended Michigan State College of Law, launched a solo practice in the Muskegon area, and today is an attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, practicing in the trusts and estates field. She loves creating tailored solutions for her clients, preventing future headaches and fostering peace and ease. No stranger to the performing arts, Merica sang in the Smith College Glee Club and various community choirs, and is a veteran of Muskegon Civic Theatre. She met her husband Eric on the golf course, a sport they continue to enjoy together (her skill level gives him plenty of opportunity to practice patience). They also love to spend time at the beach with their two young children. Merica enjoys event planning, and also supports the Harbor Hospice Foundation and the Rotary Club of Muskegon as a volunteer.
Bob Garretson, Treasurer
CEO, Embark Financial Partners
A former Navy officer, Bob has lived and traveled to many places, but Muskegon is his favorite—and working to improve its quality of life is a strong passion. In 2019, he and his wife Heather moved back after several years in New York City; one of the primary draws was Muskegon’s vibrant arts scene, including WMS. He is CEO of Embark Financial Partners, a relatively new venture that he has been growing gradually since returning to Muskegon. Bob is a creative, energetic person who loves to generate ideas that bring people together. His special focus is to make the Symphony more visible, accessible and inclusive. His other great loves are his family, cooking, golfing and scuba diving.
Larry Fife
Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive
Larry grew up as a resident of Muskegon Heights and he and his wife Lynette moved back to their hometown after his retirement. Larry was a volunteer member of the WMS/Muskegon Rotary collaborative campaign to purchase and install permanent all-weather outdoor musical instruments throughout Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. He was inspired to join the Board due to his passion for music and his interest in furthering WMS youth education programs. Larry is a vocal proponent of WMS helping to connect the organization to neighborhood associations, city leaders, school board members and educators. He is a team player who wants to make sure the arts thrive and are accessible to everyone throughout the community.
Donna Joyce
Advancement Director, DOOR International
A Muskegon native, Donna moved to the Lakeshore in 2018 from the Grand Rapids area, where she had a 21-year career in Advancement at Calvin University and served on numerous community boards. Following Calvin, Donna spent two years as a development officer for Muskegon Rescue Mission and currently works for DOOR International, an international ministry serving the Deaf. This experience, along with her interests in community engagement, philanthropy, and the arts, drew her to support the initiatives of WMS.
Bob Kwiecien
Retired Vice President of Sales, Amstore Corporation
Bob is a life-long resident of Muskegon. After graduating from Western Michigan University, a 42-year career at Amstore followed. Bob has served on several boards—the Education and Foundation Boards of Muskegon Catholic Central, the Golf Association of Michigan, and the Muskegon Country Club serving as a past president.
Bob and his wife, Dee, have two children and three grandchildren. They love golf and traveling the world making friends and experiencing new cultures. Bob’s passion for the arts in Muskegon has inspired him to join the Board to spread the “Good News” and expand awareness of the West Michigan Symphony.
Resherra McKissack
Executive Assistant, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Stacy Mellema, CPA
Shareholder, Hungerford
Stacy joined the firm in 2020 as a Senior Manager in the Assurance and Tax departments and became a shareholder in January of 2023. She specializes in assurance and accounting solutions services related to for-profit, not-for-profit, and employee benefit plan industries. Stacy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with accounting from Central Michigan University and has 24 years of public accounting experience and five years in the private industry. Stacy has served as the Director of Operations for a local not-for-profit organization and foundation for over five years. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Michigan Institute of CPAs (MICPA), former Treasurer for the United Way of the Lakeshore and a member of the Davenport University Accounting Advisory Board.
Jason Olthoff
Vice President of Sales, Nichols
The West Michigan native found out early on that his path would run heavily through music and the arts. Jason spent the beginning part of his career performing and learning the backstage trade in Los Angeles. This led to a production specialty of over 25 Super Bowl halftime shows, three Opening and Closing Ceremonies and countless other special events. For 10 years he led a brand strategy and experiential marketing agency in Chicago, and is currently glad to be back in West Michigan as the VP of Sales for Nichols. Jason has served on the boards of Muskegon Civic Theater, The Block, The Young Americans and United Way of the Lakeshore.
Emma Peterson
Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health
As a youngster, Emma attended WMS concerts with her grandpa, Sterling, a longtime subscriber. Early in her career, she spent three years on the WMS staff as Finance Manager. She was a charter member of The Block Advisory Board and served as its Chair from 2019 through 2021. All four of her daughters have participated in the Debut Strings and Premier Strings ensemble programs, and one in Children’s Choir. With this level of engagement, it felt natural for Emma to join the WMS Board at the time of the merger of WMS and The Block. She sees WMS as an anchor organization of Muskegon and wants to help it continue, grow and adapt. Given the impact it has had on her family, she is particularly excited about the expansion of the education programs, especially the addition of Tune Up. Emma is the Director of Philanthropy at Trinity Health Muskegon where she loves working with donors, who she says “lift us up and allow us to do more.”
Jennifer Ross
City Clerk, Muskegon Heights
Jennifer was eager to join the Board because of her love and passion for performing arts. She was especially inspired by WMS’s commitment to making music available throughout the community, including its most under-served schools. Jen brings a proven track record of community and cultural engagement, fundraising and event planning. This has included serving as vice chair of the Board of Muskegon Civic Theatre, former vice chair of the Community Development Block Grant committee for the City of Muskegon, and organizer for the annual West Michigan Juneteenth Celebration.
Cora Russ
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Bio coming soon.
Dr. John Severson
Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
Dr. John Severson is a lifelong champion of the arts whose connection to the West Michigan Symphony is rooted in a deep musical heritage. Growing up with a mother who sang opera, a grandfather who was a composer, and having been a former classical piano student himself, John has experienced the performing arts from the perspectives of the creator, the performer, and the audience. As the former Superintendent of the Muskegon Area ISD, he fostered extensive collaborations with community groups and recognized the arts as a cornerstone of a thriving community. Furthermore, John is a vocal advocate for West Michigan's cultural identity. He believes in a "deep-dive" approach to service, focusing on meaningful, mission-driven involvement. As a board member, John aims to leverage his passion for the arts to serve as a community ambassador—helping to sustain the amazing work of the WMS, expand the next generation of listeners, and ensure this regional "cultural gem" continues to flourish.
Tom Trzaska
Retired Chief Engineer, Renk America
A longtime patron and supporter of WWS, Tom accepted the invitation to join the Board because of his desire to make an even deeper contribution to its sustainment and growth. He brings the unique perspective of an engineer and a business professional, along with the willingness to challenge and ask hard questions. Tom is Director of Strategic Technology at Muskegon-based RENK America, the leading global supplier of mobility solutions for military combat vehicles, a company driven by a sense of pride and purpose in our country and our community. He is also an experienced volunteer with a variety of community benefit organizations, including serving currently on the boards of Muskegon Catholic Schools, North Muskegon Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation; and previously on the boards of Family Promise of the Lakeshore and Prince of Peace Catholic Community Finance Council.
Last updated 6.25.26.
