SCMC Staff + Board

With more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit arts sector, Cathy has reimagined SCMC with new and expanded programming, creating the Chamber, Jazz and Folk series and developing a larger and more diverse patron base during her tenure since 2006. Her music knowledge has elevated the caliber of artists presented by SCMC and she has mobilized the Board of Directors to take a more active role in marketing and fundraising for the organization. Previously, she spent 11 years as the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and prior to that worked at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl, and the La Jolla Chamber Music Society.

Cyndi holds a degree in violin performance and music education from the University of Michigan. She spent time teaching and playing in the Chicago area and studied at the graduate level at Roosevelt University. In addition to her role at SCMC, she also directs two orchestra ensembles at Grand Rapids Christian High School, where she served as the Director of Orchestras for more than 20 years. An accomplished performer, Cyndi recently retired as the Kent Philharmonic’s concertmaster, a position that she held for 30 years. She also previously spent 9 years conducting the SCMC Concert Orchestra.

Lauren has spent the last 15 years working for nonprofit arts organizations in Chicago, Seattle and Grand Rapids. Prior to joining SCMC’s team in 2016, she was Development Director at Seattle’s Taproot Theatre Company and held an Individual Giving Officer position with Seattle Opera. She also spent five years as the General Manager of the Youth Choral Theater of Chicago. Lauren holds a BA in English from Calvin University and an MA in Arts Administration from Goucher College.

Carla has held her position with SCMC since 2007. She came to the organization with over 10 years of event and hospitality management experience, including working for the Amway Hotel Corporation for over 6 years, most recently as the Assistant Manager of the (former) 1913 Room, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Carla holds a BA in Music from Grand Valley State University. Along with managing an event staff focused on the best service and guest hospitality, she also oversees the upkeep, maintenance and renovations of the historic SCMC building.

Melodie has been Finance Director at SCMC since 2015. Prior to joining SCMC, she spent 30 years in public accounting, serving clients in both the auditing and specialty tax consulting areas. She holds a BSA in Accounting from the University of Michigan- Dearborn and an MPA in nonprofit management from Grand Valley State University.

Kelly has been Box Office Manager at SCMC since 2020. Prior to joining SCMC, she was the Box Office Manager for Grand Rapids Ballet and KB Productions, Inc. She has worked in box office and ticket sales for ASM Global, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Vive Les Arts Theatre. She was also Operations Director/Box Office Manager for Tacoma Little Theatre. She holds a BA in Theatre from Hope College.

Alden has over 10 years of experience in the museum world, the majority of which was spent working in membership and development roles at such local institutions as the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Alden brings a vast knowledge of database management to this role, as well as a lifelong appreciation for music.

Jessi has been with SCMC since 2015. Prior to joining the team, she was a stay-at-home mom raising two amazing kids and spending her free time volunteering at their schools and taking leadership roles in their extracurricular activities.

Kelley joined SCMC in July 2022. Her previous role was in Purchasing, but she has a strong background in Hospitality. Kelley works closely with our guests and vendors to ensure each event is seamless and memorable. She is also involved in SCMC Marketing, Development and Social Media content.