FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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 29, 2026—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces five new board members for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including Jessica Edwards, Jeff Keilholtz, Craig Kilgore, Heather McCauley-Fitz and Lorna Shaffer.

Jessica Edwards is an aftermarket product analyst at JLG Industries. She is also a stage actor and multidisciplinary theatre artist with extensive experience in performance, production and arts programming. Jessica serves as an adjunct instructor at Hagerstown Community College, teaching an introductory theatre makeup class.

Jeff Keilholtz is an Emmy-nominated producer and TEDx alumnus who has built a career in entertainment, AI and intellectual property. As a former executive at Broadway Licensing Global, he represented a catalog of over 8,000 plays and musicals, managing iconic brands and key deals, including Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Eugene O’Neill, as well as the record-breaking Tony Award® winning plays, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Oh, Mary!

Craig Kilgore is the founder of Next Level Visions, a video production company based in Hagerstown, serving businesses throughout the region. In addition, he works as an adjunct instructor at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. Craig’s background also includes a career in network engineering and prior service in the United States Air Force as an avionics technician.

Heather McCauley-Fitz runs a family-owned mechanical HVAC contracting business, blending creativity, entrepreneurship and collaboration across multiple fields. In addition, she works as a freelance artist, having had her art exhibited all over the country as well as locally at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and Bridge Gallery in West Virginia.

Lorna Shaffer has served as owner and director of Ballet and All That Jazz since the fall of 2021 and has taught dance since 2010. She and her dance studio are actively involved in the community, participating in events or partnering with organizations such as the ARC of Washington County, HollyFest, the Miss Washington County/Miss Western Maryland Pageant and Hagerstown Community College.

Leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after several years of dedicated service are Dr. Annie Anders, Erika Bell, Steve O’Farrell and Ryan Smetzer.

Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Laurie Bender, Anne Bertram, Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Pam Francis, Cheyenne Herson, Al Martin, Denver Martin, Brian McLucas, Wanda Mounts, Gerry Otremba, David Richardson, Ruth Ridenour, Shelly Strong and Toby Towson. Honorary Advisory Board Members are Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Steve O’Farrell, Cynthia Perini, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze and Cliff Springer. The Ex Officio Board Members are Linda Murray, Dr. Gary Willow, Dr. Michael Chilcutt, Mark Keefer and Torin Malott.

“I am thrilled to welcome these very talented board members to the Barbara Ingram Foundation,” said Ally Sirbaugh, executive director. “They bring to the table so many diverse skills and a true passion for BISFA students and the arts. I look forward to working with all of our board members to continue growing and showcasing the Foundation, school and our local 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 (First Photo): Jessica Edwards, Jeff Keilholtz, Craig Kilgore, Heather McCauley-Fitz and Lorna Shaffer.

Pictured (Second Photo): Dr. Annie Anders, Erika Bell, Steve O’Farrell and Ryan Smetzer.

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The BISFA Foundation is looking for Student Interns for our 2026 Summer Arts Academy Program.

Apply today!!  Deadline is FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Student Intern Application

AUDITIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The Student Ambassador program creates more connection between BISFA and the Foundation. Student Ambassadors meet on a monthly basis for a mentoring and brainstorming sessions where we will discuss events, professionalism and ways to showcase their discipline. In addition, students will be invited to assist with and participate in various Foundation events and projects like ushering at the annual Donor Society Event, giving tours of the school, representing your discipline in community performances and much more!

This year we are looking for students in the following disciplines: CGDA, Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental, Visual Arts, and Vocal

Please use this link to access this years applicaiton:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev7awrMHTgo6BGhnjuiGcJi6naodvOIoT9kSZxvXYhkMPJcQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101971541590331905925

The Barbara Ingram Foundation is offering a unique opportunity to make a mark on downtown Hagerstown. Join our 2025-20265 Buy a Brick Campaign.  For a $250 donation, we will engrave a brick to be placed on the sidewalk in front of Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and Vincent Rauth Groh Academic Center!

To kick off this year’s campaign we are offering a special 26% discount to the “Class of 2026”. Bricks for this special offer will be $185!! Discount Deadline is October 30, 2025. Payment plans are available, please contact the office for information.

Each 4” x 8” brick will include up to three (3) lines of engraving, with up to 17 characters per line. Character count includes numbers, letters, and spaces. Bricks may only be inscribed with names, dates and titles or “in memory of” or “in honor of.”

The perfect gift in honor, memory, or recognition of:
BISFA alum or current student (Class of ####)
Current or former staff member
Anyone who appreciates the arts and arts education

For additional information or to secure your senior discount please email Rachelt@barbaraingramfoundation.org, or call the office at 240-347-4934.

The BISFA Foundation is proud to announce our 2025-2026 Student and Staff Grant Program.  We offer 2 separate grants for current BISFA Students.  The Pauline K Anderson Grant is a grant for students to gain access to funding to help pay for expenses that students may have such as field trips, equipment, supplies and college application fees.  The second student grant is the Hamilton Family Foundation Grant is a grant for students to gain access to funding to help pay for expenses that are associated with students auditioning for county and state competitions, summer intensives, and continuing education opportunities.

A Faculty Enrichment Grant is also available for each arts department to request funds for classroom enrichment opportunities. These enrichment requests can help fund programs and activities such as guest artists, master classes, performance opportunities and other enrichment programs that will greatly enhance the overall educational opportunities for the students of BISFA.

Please click on the GRANT PROGRAM ICON below to access the grant appliations and additional information.

Help us celebrate the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts foundation executive director, Ally Sirbaugh, on her two-year anniversary! We are truly thankful for her leadership, innovative spirit, and dedicated commitment to our vision. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!