Meet the Team

Meet the dedicated team behind the Emporia Arts Council! Our passionate staff and board works to bring engaging arts education, inspiring exhibitions, and vibrant performances to the community, fostering creativity for all.

Dawn Young
Dawn YoungExecutive Director
Dawn leads the organization in bringing vibrant arts programming, education, and cultural events to the Emporia Community and surrounding areas.
Cody Lacy
Cody LacyAssociate Director of Sales & Operations
Cody oversees the day-to-day operations and event management, ensuring each event runs smoothly while creating exceptional experiences for performers, renters, and guests.
Sadie Ayer
Sadie AyerArt Education & Outreach Coordinator
Sadie develops and leads engaging art classes, workshops, and outreach programs that inspire creativity and make the arts accessible to people of all ages throughout the community.
Sam Russell
Sam RussellGallery & Art Store Coordinator
Sam oversees the Trusler Gallery and Art Store, creating engaging exhibitions that showcase local, regional, and national artists. They manage the Art Store’s collection of handcrafted works, helping connect the community with unique pieces from talented artists.
Laura Parish
Laura ParishHetlinger Creates Art Instructor
Laura designs and leads engaging daily art activities for IDD participants of all skill levels. She does this through creative projects and adaptive techniques, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can explore and express their artistic abilities.
Huey Wells
Huey WellsMarketing & Member Service Coordinator
Huey leads marketing and member services for the Emporia Arts Center and Emporia Granada Theatre, connecting the community with arts programming through strategic communications, promotions, and member engagement.
Molly Jones
Molly JonesAdministrative Assistant & Art Store Associate
Molly serves as a welcoming and knowledgeable point of contact for guests, members, and business partners at the gallery’s front desk and retail area. She provides attentive visitor service, manages incoming phone communications, and responds to inquiries about exhibitions, events, new art installations, memberships, and gallery offerings.
Katie Drake
Katie DrakeMarketing & Communications Intern
Katie supports the promotion of arts programs, events, performances, classes, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives. As a college intern, Katie works closely with the EAC’s marketing and administrative team to assist with social media content, digital communications, public relations, audience outreach, and event promotion. Katie proudly serves the National Guard.

Emporia Arts Council Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Jill Burton – President

Heather Caswell – Secretary

Roberta “Bo” Swanson – Treasurer

Board Members

Sarah Eimer

Chelsea Evans

Jason Hoelting

Jennifer Holt

Ben Moore

Dan Robertson

Joni Vaughn

Jeff Williams