OUR PEOPLE

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AT MYAC WE HAVE A PLACE THAT WE CALL HOME.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

MYAC IS CREATING OPPORTUNITY

beyond young people and artists - it's also a professional home for a talented and diverse team. Working every day to deliver a high quality, inclusive, and safe experience, the MYAC team is committed to delivering on our culture of hospitality.

MEET OUR TEAM

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Executive Director

Chad Tessmer (he/him)

CHAD joined MYAC in 2022 and is responsible for strategic leadership, vision, partnership, and growth across all service areas. A Milwaukee native, he studied theater at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.

Building Manager

Kate Ferdinandi (she/her/hers)

KATE joined the MYAC team in the summer of 2023. Originally hailing from Rhode Island, and landing in Wisconsin in 2021, Kate has a long history with the Arts and Arts Management, and is looking forward to bringing her unique skills to this unique institution, community, and its partners!

BUILDING OPERATIONS

Building Operations Associate

Lane Maple (they/she)

LANE joined MYAC in 2023. With a background in theatrical lighting and sound design, they are thrilled to combine their passions for art, design, technology, and youth engagement - all in one place!

Building Operations Associate & Donor Coordinator

Amberly Thomas (they/them/theirs)

AMBERLY is an artist from Virginia who moved to Milwaukee in 2021. They are excited to bring their experience with visual arts, music, design and technology to this wonderful organization. They studied Sculpture + Extended Media and Art History at Virginia Commonwealth University.

HOSPITALITY

Administrative Coordinator

Kelis Ferguson (she/her)

KELIS graduated in 2022 with a BFA from MIAD. Kelis is a printmaker and sculptor currently based in Milwaukee. Between creating in her studio and working at MYAC, she loves volunteering at varying events throughout the arts community.

MYAC Host

Melanie Beardsley (she/her)

MELANIE is a vocal performance major at UW-Milwaukee and loves to sing. When she is not singing, she spends her time at ballet class, crocheting, or watching Bob's Burgers

MYAC Host

Jamai Fisher (she/her)

JAMAI is a Los Angeles native, a poet, and a filmmaker, Jamai Fisher seeks to impact the world with her unique storytelling thus making hard conversations easy.

MYAC Host

Teagan Studebaker (she/her)

TEAGAN is a Chicago native and Milwaukee creative. You may remember seeing her behind the desk a few months ago – and after a short break, she's so excited to be back! Teagan loves to craft, loves her cat, and you can find her outside whenever the weather permits.

MYAC Host

Kyndal Johnson

(she/her)

KYNDAL is a multi-faceted creative. She ventures in the art of singing, songwriting , fashion, and creative directing. Kyndal continues to use her creativity to help develop Milwaukee’s growing creative scene.