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 12, 2024—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces five new board members for the 2024-25 fiscal year. They include Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Pam Francis, Geraldine Otremba and Clifford Springer.
Katie Anderson is the owner of Sprout: Plants & Things, a specialty houseplant and gift boutique located in Williamsport, Maryland. Prior to opening her business, Katie taught in Washington County Public Schools for 17.5 years, most recently, as the lead creative writing teacher at BISFA from 2012-2022.
Kelly Batey serves as the primary private wealth manager in Sterling Financial Management’s Frederick, Maryland, office. She has been with the firm for 13 years, having previously worked for Home Federal Savings Bank in the Investment Center, where she received her securities licenses.
Pam Francis serves as the Communications & Operations Manager for RS Will Wealth Management in Frederick, Maryland. She is the theater liaison for the BISFA Parent Guild and has three children attending the school in technical theatre, photo/cinema and instrumental.
Prior to her retirement, Geraldine Otremba spent more than 40 years in philanthropy, international exchange, and the management of major cultural institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Library of Congress. She has a granddaughter who attends BISFA in the photo/cinema department.
Clifford Springer is a returning Barbara Ingram Foundation board member having served previously as a founding member when the school first opened. He is a former Montgomery County Public school teacher and administrator, principal partner of Beaver Creek Antique Market, president and CEO of Benjamin Art Gallery and currently works as a Master Trading Advisor to the film industry. His scholarly credits include Lincoln, Gods and Generals and Gettysburg.
Leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after several years of dedicated service are Cynthia Perini (past president), Lisa Shank, Lara Shepherd and Eddie Webb.
Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Dr. Ann Laber Anders; Brittany Arizmendi; Erika Bell; Laurie Bender; Anne Bertram; Barbara Fitzsimmons; E. Kenneth Grove, Jr.; Bill Hollin; Steve Hummel; Al Martin; Denver Martin; Wanda Mounts; Steve O’Farrell; David Richardson; Dr. Teresa Roberts; Ryan Smetzer; Shelly Strong; Steve Swayne; Toby Towson and Mia-Faire Williams. The Honorary Advisory Board Members include Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Dr. Ira Lourie, Cynthia Perini, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze and Patricia Stine. The Ex Officio Board Members are Elizabeth Alberding, Pieter Bickford, Dr. Robert Hovermale, Kristen Green and Dr. David Sovine.
“The Foundation is fortunate to have such an active, dedicated and supportive group of board members,” said Ally Sirbaugh, executive director of the Barbara Ingram Foundation. “I am excited to have Katie, Kelly, Pam, Gerry and Cliff join such an impressive group of individuals with whom they can share their enthusiasm and passion for the arts and the school as well.”
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 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: Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Pam Francis, Geraldine Otremba and Clifford Springer.