North Shore Academy of the Arts

News Graphic Article “Chairman of the Arts” from January 18, 2011

For Immediate Release

Re: North Shore Academy of the Arts, Board of Directors

Contact: Sheri Bestor/262.719.4633

North Shore Academy of the Arts Inducts Neil Willenson  as Chairperson of Board of Directors

North Shore Academy of the Arts Inc., a not-for-profit 501c3 organization located in Ozaukee County, providing quality opportunities in the arts, enters their second decade of service to the community.  

“We have many inspiring developments taking place and on the horizon,” said NSAA Founder, Sheri Bestor. “One of the most exciting is Neil Willenson joining our Board. With his tremendous non-profit knowledge, people skills and overall leadership qualities, Neil will be a fantastic addition to our already strong board.”

Current Board members include former chair, Dave Fischer the CFO of Kapco, who is now the Vice President  of NSAA’s board and joining the financial committee, Darrell Hofland, Village Administrator of Grafton, Mike Donahue,  CPA and owner of Donahues Accounting Services, Paula Hare, owner of Hare Strigenz Design, Bruce McIlnay, Attorney, and Urszula Cholewinska.  “We are pleased and proud to welcome Dave Cavil to the board as well. Dave and his wife Sara were the people who stepped forward with a contribution to close the gap and make the outdoor classroom a reality. Dave is  already involved with exciting improvements to the Broad Street Facility. The addition of Dave is perfect timing with Neil taking on the Chairperson position.”

Stepping in as Chair, Neil will work with board members on fundraising and governing the organization.  

 ”When Neil became available, Sheri and I saw it as a golden opportunity.  Neil is uniquely qualified to lead the Board with his firsthand knowledge and understanding of what it takes to run a successful 501c3 organization, his training and background in arts and entertainment as well as his participation in past NSAA productions.  We are extremely fortunate to be able to add such a talented individual to what is already a strong Board.”

Indeed, with 20 years of non-profit executive leadership skills as the  Founder and former CEO of One Heartland, a national charity for disadvantaged children, Willenson is the  perfect fit to lead our Board of Directors.  Most recently, Willenson began work as the Vice President of Community Relations at Kapco where he leads Kapco’s vast philanthropic and community work.

“The dedication and experience provided by Dave Fischer throughout his tenure as Board Chair has brought North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) to a new level.  I am confident that Neil, who has been involved with NSAA for many years will continue the growth and leadership that Dave has provided.  The combination of Neil’s and Dave’s experience and dedication will provide NSAA with a tremendous leadership team,” said NSAA’s Advisory Board Member, Les Weil, Community Volunteer.  

“NSAA continues to transition in such a positive way.  With the addition of Neil and Dave Cavil and the continued dedication of our other board members, our administration at NSAA will be able to focus on running the organization and programming,” said Bestor.

“It is a great honor to be invited to serve as the Board Chair of the North shore Academy of the Arts. For many years I have been an admirer of Founder Sheri Bestor and the creative and dedicated team she has assembled.  As a resident of Grafton myself and a participant in NSAA programming, I know firsthand the great value that NSAA provides to thousands of people in our community.  I am excited for the opportunity to help NSAA bring their bold and ambitious vision of growth to fruition.  Art and arts education truly enriches lives.  NSAA is a preeminent organization in making this possible,” said Neil.

North Shore Academy of the Arts is located in Grafton. Wisconsin, with two facilities.  They focus on classes in the arts for children and adults, musical productions, workshops, mentoring in the arts and the soon to be opening art studios, boutique and art gallery.  To learn more about NSAA or to become involved, visit the website at www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org

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