Arts center announces staff changes

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) recently announced the addition of Jamie Catlett to the LACA leadership team. Catlett has been hired to oversee outreach and engagement to LACA members, volunteers and the community as a whole. She will also direct customer service and artist selection for the Muse Gift Shop located in the LACA facility.

“The official title for this position is Arts and Culture Crusader as we see Jamie’s role as one of  generating excitement and creating new opportunities for community engagement in all areas of the arts,” said Corinn VanWyck, executive director of the Ludington Area Arts Council. “Jamie brings more than 15 years nonprofit and business management and outreach expertise to this new position.”

Catlett joins the current LACA leadership team comprised of VanWyck and executive assistant and West Shore Art Fair coordinator Christine Plummer.

“The collective talent and experience of this LACA leadership team is remarkable,” said Barry Neal, board president. “The vision and direction they bring to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts is invaluable ”

Ann Genson is stepping down from her position as program manager with LACA to pursue a new career as a professional counselor.  From 2010 to 2013 Ann was earning a master’s degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. She was licensed as a professional counselor in November 2013 and will now be opening a private practice in Scottville. Her office, Peace of Mind Counseling Services, will be located at the corner of State and Main streets in downtown Scottville in the McMaster Professional Center. She will provide counseling services to individuals and groups with an emphasis on life transitions and grief/loss.

“After over a decade in the arts management field, I felt called in a new direction – to help people navigate the map of their life. So many people feel lost and simply need a guide for part of their journey,” said Genson. “Over the past two plus years, I have been able to share my arts management skill set with LACA while I worked to develop my skills for a new profession. I have met and worked with some remarkable individuals here at LACA. Although I am leaving the staff, I hope to remain a part of the LACA family and its future success as a volunteer and member.”

“We thank Ann for her many contributions and wish her great success in her new endeavor” said VanWyck.