Contact:
Ally Sirbaugh
Executive Director
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
240-347-4934
allys@barbaraingramfoundation.org
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Announces New Board Members
HAGERSTOWN, Maryland, July 15, 2025—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces a new slate of officers for 2025-2027: Laurie Bender, president; Pam Francis, vice president; Wanda Mounts, secretary and Al Martin, treasurer. The Foundation also welcomes five new board members, including Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Cheyenne Herson, Brian McLucas and Ruth Ridenour.
Mia Collins is a veteran style expert, wardrobe and specialty stylist in the metro Washington, D.C. area whose clients include Vanity Fair, People, Baltimore Magazine, Washington Post, Target, NFL, Nordstrom, National Wildlife Catalog and more. For the past five years, Mia has transitioned to TV and film, working on projects, such as We Own This City (HBO) and Lady in the Lake (Apple TV+).
Karri Dawson is a seasoned people manager with over 20 years of experience in the big box retail space, specializing in coaching and training to drive profitability across multi-sales channels. She has volunteered throughout the county, including organizing a WCPS athletic program, a high school booster program and St. Maria Goretti’s admission process.
Cheyenne Herson is the development coordinator at Hagerstown Community College. She is a 2017 graduate of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, where she specialized in vocal music. She earned a BA in Arts and Entertainment Industries Management, with a minor in Event Planning, from Rider University in 2021.
Brian McLucas is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the lumber industry and currently serves as a dealer sales representative for Weyerhaeuser, managing 150 accounts in the Baltimore-DC metro area. Brian has served on the Hagerstown Colt League board for 15 years and the West End Little League board for three years.
Ruth Ridenour served as the lead theatre teacher for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts from 2009 until her retirement in 2020. She also taught at Williamsport High School for 30 years as the choral, music and drama teacher. In addition, Ruth is past president of Potomac Playmakers, having acted, directed and costumed shows for over 40 years.
Leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after several years of dedicated service are Brittany Arizmendi, Barbara Fitzsimmons, Ken Grove, Steve Hummel, Dr. Teresa Roberts and Steve Swayne.
Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Dr. Ann Laber Anders, Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Erika Bell, Laurie Bender, Anne Bertram, Al Martin, Denver Martin, Wanda Mounts, Gerry Otremba, Steve O’Farrell (past president), David Richardson, Ryan Smetzer, Shelly Strong, Toby Towson and Mia-Faire Williams. The Honorary Advisory Board Members are Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Dr. Ira Lourie, Cynthia Perini, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze, Cliff Springer and Patricia Stine. The Ex Officio Board Members are Dr. April Zentmeyer, Dr. Robert Hovermale, Kristen Green and Dr. David Sovine.
“I am so excited to welcome these new board members to the Foundation, where they can contribute their talents, dedication and passion for the arts to the students and the school,” said Ally Sirbaugh, executive director of the Barbara Ingram Foundation. “I am sad to see so many devoted board members leaving this year as I have truly appreciated their contributions during my tenure. I look forward to working with a new team of officers and continuing to grow the Foundation, school and arts community.”
About Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Founded in 2008, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation advances exceptional arts’ education by providing resources, connections and funding that support the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts public high school in Hagerstown, Maryland. Funds are provided for programs, such as master classes, artists in residency, student field trips and state-of-the-art instructional materials and technology. To learn more or take a tour of the school, call the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation at (240) 347-4934, or visit www.barbaraingramfoundation.org.
Pictured: Officers: Laurie Bender, president; Pam Francis, vice president; Wanda Mounts, secretary and Al Martin, treasurer.
Pictured: New Board Members: Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Cheyenne Herson, Brian McLucas and Ruth Ridenour.