MYAC LEADERSHIP
CHAD TESSMER
Chad Tessmer joined MYAC as executive director in 2022 after a decade of service to the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Chad was born and raised in Milwaukee with a strong focus on theater and the arts. He leads the MYAC board and also serves on numerous community boards including First Stage, Milwaukee Film and the United Performing Arts Fund.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Chad Tessmer joined MYAC as executive director in 2022 after a decade of service to the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.
BILL MORTIMORE
Longtime businessman and entrepreneur Bill Mortimore has served on numerous public and private boards, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He has served as chair of MYAC since 2016. His daughter is a MYSO alum and has been the principal piccolo of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York since 2000.
BETSY CORRY
Betsy Corry’s professional career spans experience in arts programming, education and administration, with positions on the Wisconsin Arts Board, ARTreach Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence.
BOARD VICE CHAIR
BETSY CORRY
Betsy Corry’s professional career spans experience in arts programming, education and administration, with positions on the Wisconsin Arts Board, ARTreach Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
CHAD TESSMER
LINDA EDELSTIEN
As CEO of MYSO, Linda Edelstein oversees its day-to-day operations, including strategy, philanthropy, media relations, and financial control. Linda manages a team of 60 and oversees 40 programs that serve 1,000 students across southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. She has firsthand experience with the MYAC ecosystem, having performed as an oboist and English hornist for many Milwaukee organizations, including MYSO.
LINDA EDELSTEIN
BOARD VICE CHAIR
As CEO of MYSO, Linda Edelstein oversees its day-to-day operations, including strategy, philanthropy, media relations, and financial control.
CHAD TESSMER
KENT TESS-MATTNER
When not working as an attorney, Kent Tess-Mattner is a performing musician in several community bands and orchestras. He is an advocate for supporting and encouraging young people in enjoyment of the performing arts. His daughter was not only a student at MYSO but she also met her husband there, worked there, and her own son now also attends MYSO.
KENT
TESS-MATTNER
BOARD SECRETARY
When not working as an attorney, Kent Tess-Mattner is a performing musician in several community bands and orchestras.
CHAD TESSMER
JOEL NETTESHEIM
BOARD TREASURER
CHAD TESSMER
KATHY BURKE
BOARD MEMBER
CHAD TESSMER
MYRA EDWARDS
BOARD MEMBER
CHAD TESSMER
DANIEL JONES
Daniel Jones has been involved with MYAC since his children participated in music and theater and as First Stage season ticket holders. Just as MYAC has had a positive impact on his own family, Dan believes that arts organizations are the key to a thriving, diverse community.
DANIEL JONES
BOARD MEMBER
Daniel Jones has been involved with MYAC since his children participated in music and theater and as First Stage season ticket holders.
CHAD TESSMER
FRANK KREJCI
BOARD MEMBER
CHAD TESSMER
JENNIFER MATTES
Business executive Jennifer Mattes attributes her time as a MYSO student and an international concert tour to Switzerland, Austria, and France as the events that shaped her. She has a passion for volunteering in the performing arts and has been on the MYSO board for 10 years. She believes that MYAC is a unique place for students to connect with one another and grow into thoughtful, responsible members of our community.
JENNIFER MATTES
BOARD MEMBER
Business executive Jennifer Mattes attributes her time as a MYSO student and an international concert tour to Switzerland, Austria, and France as the events that shaped her.
CHAD TESSMER
ROBERT MONNAT
Robert Monnat is a longtime city of Milwaukee resident and businessman and is closely aligned with the Milwaukee arts community, specifically the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bublr Bikes, MYSO and MYAC, as well as the Bronzeville Center for the Arts.
ROBERT MONNAT
BOARD MEMBER
Robert Monnat is a longtime city of Milwaukee resident and businessman and is closely aligned with the Milwaukee arts community, specifically the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bublr Bikes, MYSO and MYAC, as well as the Bronzeville Center for the Arts.
LAUREN PAGENKOPF
Arts have always been a huge part of Lauren Pagenkopf’s life, both as a child and now as a parent herself. She believes that MYAC is a local leader in supporting young people to be their best, and that it gives them a safe space to cross paths and connect with people through the arts.
BOARD MEMBER
LAUREN PAGENKOPF
Arts have always been a huge part of Lauren Pagenkopf’s life, both as a child and now as a parent herself.
JEFF SPENCE
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
