SCMC Staff + Board

With more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit arts sector, Cathy has reimagined SCMC with new and expanded programming, creating the Chamber, Jazz and Folk series and developing a larger and more diverse patron base during her tenure since 2006. Her music knowledge has elevated the caliber of artists presented by SCMC and she has mobilized the Board of Directors to take a more active role in marketing and fundraising for the organization. Previously, she spent 11 years as the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and prior to that worked at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl, and the La Jolla Chamber Music Society.

Carla has held her position with SCMC since 2007. She came to the organization with over 10 years of event and hospitality management experience, including working for the Amway Hotel Corporation for over 6 years, most recently as the Assistant Manager of the (former) 1913 Room, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Carla holds a BA in Music from Grand Valley State University. Along with managing an event staff focused on the best service and guest hospitality, she also oversees the upkeep, maintenance and renovations of the historic SCMC building.

Tiffany comes to SCMC with over 15 years of development and marketing experience. After graduating from Grand Valley State University, Tiffany found her professional home in arts administration serving as the Marketing and Sales Director and eventual Director of Advancement at Lexington Children’s Theatre (LCT) in Lexington, Kentucky. After more than 12 years at LCT, she served as the Development Manager for Actors Theatre of Louisville, a Tony award-winning theatre in Louisville, Kentucky. Tiffany has a diverse resume of board leadership and volunteerism, is a graduate of Leadership Lexington, and received her master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky.

Cyndi holds a degree in violin performance and music education from the University of Michigan and also studied at the graduate level at Roosevelt University in Chicago. She recently retired from an exciting 35 year teaching career where she was able to share her passion for music with hundreds of students every year. She continues to be a strong and passionate advocate for school music programs and has enjoyed many opportunities to be a guest clinician and help support local school programs over the years. She has taught orchestra for the Glenbard Illinois High School District, started the string program at Northpointe Christian and most recently spent 24 years directing the orchestra program at Grand Rapids Christian Schools. In addition to her role as the Grand String Orchestra director, Cyndi also serves as SCMC’s Education + Community Engagement Director. An accomplished performer, Cyndi recently retired as the Kent Philharmonic’s concertmaster, a position that she held for 30 years and continues to play professionally as a freelance musician.

Julie has been Finance Director at SCMC since 2024. Prior to joining SCMC, she spent 35 years in various accounting roles including public accounting, auditing and 20 years as a controller. She holds a BS in Accounting and Business Administration from Aquinas College and an MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Kelly has been Box Office Manager at SCMC since 2020. Prior to joining SCMC, she was the Box Office Manager for Grand Rapids Ballet and KB Productions, Inc. She has worked in box office and ticket sales for ASM Global, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Vive Les Arts Theatre. She was also Operations Director/Box Office Manager for Tacoma Little Theatre. She holds a BA in Theatre from Hope College.

Alden has over 10 years of experience in the museum world, the majority of which was spent working in membership and development roles at such local institutions as the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Alden brings a vast knowledge of database management to this role, as well as a lifelong appreciation for music.

Jessi has been with SCMC since 2015. Prior to joining the team, she was a stay-at-home mom raising two amazing kids and spending her free time volunteering at their schools and taking leadership roles in their extracurricular activities.

Nadine joined SCMC in April 2023 with 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry followed by 5 years in a management role. In 2019 Nadine had her wedding ceremony and reception at SCMC and fell in love with the historic building. Nadine works closely with our guests and vendors to ensure each event is seamless and memorable. She is also involved in SCMC Marketing and Social Media content.