The New Board

At the recent Annual Board Meeting, The Potters’ Studio Board elected two new Board members adding three new members to the Executive Committee while giving the three exiting Executive Committee members a heartfelt thank you for their leadership and dedication to keep the Studio open and available during the pandemic while preparing for and establishing TPS as a nonprofit organization and celebrating the studio’s 50th anniversary.

The two new Board members bring an established commitment to the studio having contributed their time and expertise to the Finance committee for most of the past year.  

SUHAIL CHANDER is a retired banker and curious potter.  Suhail graciously started working with the Finance Committee in between his trips to India where he oversees a foundation he launched that provides support to children with learning disabilities.  Suhail is also a trustee at CMC Hospital in India and a trust that focuses on Heritage Education, Tourism and Skill Development.  Suhail currently sits on the board of a large bank and asset management company in India.  Suhail brings his foundation knowledge and financial expertise to the Board and has already analyzed our investments and made suggestions as to how we can better position the Studio to receive a greater return. 

DEANNA DALTON has a strong background in working with nonprofit organizations on government transparency and democracy reform.  DeAnna was the Deputy Director for MapLight leading the organization’s fundraising and financial management.  DeAnna was also responsible for overseeing and developing strategic planning, project management, DEI work and operations.

DeAnna joined The Potters’ Studio in 2019 and loves making functional tableware.  We are delighted Deanna has agreed to serve as the organization’s treasurer and has already designed mini trainings for the Board to help us better understand and read financial statements and have a better appreciation for what it takes to successfully run a nonprofit organization.  DeAnna’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious and we are all excited to work with her and learn more about account receivables and payables. 

Suhail and DeAnna have committed to assisting the existing Board in further establishing the Studio as a respected arts environment and have already identified strong ideas for the organization to consider in the coming years.  We are very excited that they have agreed to join the Board and support the Studio’s objectives.  Please welcome them when you see them in the studio and let them know you appreciate their dedication and commitment.

The Board also selected a new Executive Committee that includes Cheryl Stevens as President of the Board; Zoe Thorsland, Vice President, DeAnna Dalton, Treasurer and Susan Meinke has agreed to continue as Board Secretary.  The Executive Committee is also delighted that former President Beth Rockmill has agreed to remain a member of the Executive Committee to provide continuity and support as the Board looks forward to the challenges and excitement of bringing new and different events and opportunities to TPS.  The Executive Committee has hit the ground running and working towards implementing many of the ideas that came out of the February Strategic Planning retreat.  Along with the existing Board members that include Jill Blue Lin, Suhail Chander, Larry Cohen, Liz Grossman, Miles McCreary and Sandy Sherwin, the Executive Committee is working on developing plans to bring the Studio more into a digital age as well as introducing new and different events and workshops.

Of course, we would not be where we are now were it not for the commitment, dedication and leadership of our outgoing Executive Committee members Larry Cohen, Liz Grossman and Beth Rockmill.  Larry, Liz and Beth stepped up and made the hard decisions during the pandemic and encouraged the transition to nonprofit status.  We are so glad all three have decided to remain on the Board so that we can continue to benefit from their insight, energy and experience.  

The Board is excited to work on new ideas to benefit the Studio and invite any of you interested in working with the Board on a committee or as a Board member to step forward and let us know how you want to contribute to TPS.  For more information about the individual Board members please read their profiles on the website. 

The 2023 Board is Cheryl Stevens, President, Zoe Thorsland, Vice President, Sue Meinke, Secretary, DeAnna Dalton, Treasurer, Jill Blue Lin, Suhail Chander, Larry Cohen, Liz Grossman, Miles McCreary, Beth Rockmill and Sandy Sherwin.

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