Thornapple Arts Council

Barry County Michigan

269.945.2002

231 S Broadway St
Hastings, MI 49058

TAC Staff

Thornapple Arts Council Staff

Megan Lavell

 Executive Director
exd@thornapplearts.org

Megan Lavell joined TAC as the executive director in 2009. Prior to joining TAC, Lavell earned her BA in journalism and worked at Hastings papers, building strong relationships with area individuals, organizations, and businesses that continue to benefit TAC today. Lavell is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Barry County, a 2012 recipient of the Athena Young Professional Award, and is part of the ongoing MACC Rising Leaders cohort.

Megan Lavell

Executive Director
exd@thornapplearts.org

Megan Lavell joined TAC as the executive director in 2009. Prior to joining TAC, Lavell earned her BA in journalism and worked at Hastings papers, building strong relationships with area individuals, organizations, and businesses that continue to benefit TAC today. Lavell is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Barry County, a 2012 recipient of the Athena Young Professional Award, and is part of the ongoing MACC Rising Leaders cohort.

Kathleen Welch

 Marketing and Technology Coordinator
kathleen@thornapplearts.org

Kathleen Welch joined TAC in 2018 as Program Director before transitioning into Marketing and Technology Coordinator in early 2020. She holds a BA in English Language & Literature and has experience in professional writing, graphic design, and coding. 

Kathleen Welch

Marketing and Technology Coordinator
kathleen@thornapplearts.org

Kathleen Welch joined TAC in 2018 as Program Director before transitioning into Marketing and Technology Coordinator in early 2020. She holds a BA in English Language & Literature and has experience in professional writing, graphic design, and coding. 

Shelby Fronchek

Program Coordinator
shelby@thornapplearts.org
 

Shelby Froncheck joined TAC in 2023 as Program and Administrative Assistant before transitioning to Program Coordinator in early 2025. She holds a BS in Psychology and works primarily with the Hastings Community Music School, Fair Ground Festival, and Arts and Eats programs. She has a passion for the arts with a focus on fostering creativity and cultural development among the youth.

Shelby Fronchek

Program Coordinator
shelby@thornapplearts.org

Shelby Froncheck joined TAC in 2023 as Program and Administrative Assistant before transitioning to Program Coordinator in early 2025. She holds a BS in Psychology and works primarily with the Hastings Community Music School, Fair Ground Festival, and Arts and Eats programs. She has a passion for the arts with a focus on fostering creativity and cultural development among the youth.

Community Music School Staff

Doris Hale

Administrative Assistant
hcms@thornapplearts.org
 

A native of Hastings, Doris studied Music under Art Stewart, Edvard Grinvalds, and Freddy Kruko. She especially enjoyed her time in Michigan State University’s “Music as Literature” class.

Doris Hale

Administrative Assistant
hcms@thornapplearts.org

A native of Hastings, Doris studied Music under Art Stewart, Edvard Grinvalds, and Freddy Kruko. She especially enjoyed her time in Michigan State University’s “Music as Literature” class.

HCMS Teachers

2026 Board of Directors

2026 Board of Directors

Cloe Oliver, President
Annie Halle, Vice President
Dale Svihl, Secretary
Kristen Fisher, Treasurer
Michelle Duits, Immediate Past President
*Petra Foster
Sandra LaJoye
Barb Maring
Doug Powers

*Denotes youth board member

Board Committees

Executive Committee
Purpose: To evaluate the Executive Director; to determine bonuses and pay raises; to implement corrective action; to make recommendations to the full Board of Directors

Community Outreach Committee
Purpose: To serve as ambassadors for TAC; to plan and develop non-fundraising programs and events

Fundraising Committee
Purpose: To raise money for programs and operations of the Thornapple Arts Council

Scholarship & Financial Assistance Review Committee
Purpose: To make scholarship and financial aid awards to students, schools, teachers, and programs

2026 Board Meetings

The board meets at 5 PM on the fourth Tuesday of each odd month.

  • Jan 27*
  • March 24
  • May 26
  • July 28
  • Sept 22
  • Nov 24

*The Annual Meeting takes place immediately preceding the January Board of Directors meeting each year.

269.945.2002

231 S Broadway St
Hastings, MI 49058