The Woodlands Arts Council welcomes new board members

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The new president of The Woodlands Arts Council has officially taken her seat and begun her three-year term. Haley Garcia, Broker, Garcia Real Estate Group joins new officers Vice President Ted Harris, General Manager, Market Street - The Woodlands; Treasurer Russell Leto: President, Progressive Commercial Aquatics; and Secretary Nancy Charbonneau, Principal Designer & CEO, Charbonneau Interiors as the 2025 - 2028 board of directors.

Garcia sent out an open letter to TWAC patrons and supporters:

Dear Friends of The Woodlands Arts Council,

It is my greatest pleasure and honor to serve as President of The Woodlands Arts Council for the next two years. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization so committed to enriching our community through the power and presence of the arts.

My journey with the Council began five years ago and has been nothing short of inspiring. From chairing the beloved Art Dash Party for the past four years to helping launch our first-ever Texas Fine Craft Show, it’s been a privilege to witness our mission in action. Watching the Council celebrate its 20th anniversary—and seeing its impact continue to grow—has reaffirmed how vital the arts are to the spirit of our community.

As we look to this next chapter, I’m especially excited to chair the second edition of the Texas Fine Craft Show, returning this September 26–28. I warmly invite you to experience this one-of-a-kind showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.

Fine craft is more than art—it’s a celebration of skill, tradition, and identity. Each handcrafted piece tells a story. Whether through jewelry, wearable art, woodwork, leather, glass, ceramics, or metal, you’ll see passion brought to life by artists and designers from across the country. It’s the perfect kickoff to the holiday season and a chance to experience the richness of artistry up close.

For over 20 years, The Woodlands Arts Council has been the driving force behind the artistic heartbeat of our community, through unforgettable events, impactful education programs, and a growing public art collection that brightens our everyday spaces.

I hope you’ll continue on this journey with us. Together, we’ll keep making art matter—every day, in every corner of our community.

Other board members include:

• Jayla Ash Davis, Retired Visual Arts Educator, The John Cooper School
• Nancy Charbonneau, Principal Designer & CEO, Charbonneau Interiors
• Dr. Lisa Davis, Prof Fine Arts Specialist, Conroe Independent School District
• Blaine Decker, Financial Advisor, Woodforest National Bank/ Woodforest Wealth
• Michael D. Ellis, Attorney, Stibbs & Co., PC
• Noemi Gonzalez, General Manager, Market Street - The Woodlands
• Debbie Kaschik, Owner, The Young Learners Academy
• Cameron Klepac, Director of Marketing & Education, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
• Jerry MacDonald, Retired President and CEO, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
• Kim Phillips, Owner, Kim Phillips MKTG
• Kara Powell, Owner & Operator, Kara Powell Photography
• Lizzie Pritchett, Owner/FounderBellwether Concepts
• Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Past Chairman, The Woodlands Township Board
• Laura Snyder, Art Teacher & Creative Director, Young Rembrandts, The Woodlands
• Detrick Taylor, Manager of Journey Experience, Entergy
• Bruce C. Tough, Principal, Founder and Chief Believer, Tough Law Firm, PLLC
• Nick Wolda, President, Visit The Woodlands

The Advisory Board includes Cindy Hardin, Dr. Maria Holmes, Gika Rector, Deb Spiess, James Stilwell, Alex Sutton, and Susan Vreeland-Wendt.

Garcia also sent out a heartfelt thank you to the outgoing board members Michael Goodwin, Treasurer 2020 - 2025; Cindy Heiser, 2021 - 2025; Melissa Morton, 2023 - 2025, and Dr. Maria Holmes, Interim Board President.

“We will certainly miss them as they conclude their time with us. Their leadership, dedication, and passion have a lasting impact that will continue to inspire us for many years to come,” said Garcia.

The staff of The Woodlands Arts Council currently consists of Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director; Alicia de Alva, Marketing & Development Coordinator; Claire Karl, Programs Manager; David Mayes, Artist Management; Patrick Medina, Graphic Artist; Courtney Myers, Volunteer Coordinator; Dario Pallotta, Operations Coordinator; and Kayla Trascher, Administrative & Event Coordinator.