About Us

Katie Trzaska-Miller is the founder and principal consultant of Michigan Maven Creative Associates, helping arts organizations strengthen community impact through artistic planning, engagement strategy, programming, and organizational leadership. With nearly two decades of experience in the performing arts sector, she brings deep expertise in artist relations, community engagement, educational programming, and venue management.

Katie has held leadership roles at Midland Center for the Arts, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Playhouse at White Lake, and has been a dedicated advocate for Michigan's arts community through service with the Michigan Presenters Network and the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. A theater-maker, mentor, and champion for accessibility and inclusion, she is passionate about helping organizations build meaningful connections, expand access to the arts, and create vibrant experiences for their communities. For more information visit https://www.michiganmaven.art

Kevin L. Maynard is the Executive Director of Opening Nights at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. A passionate advocate for the arts, he brings over 10 years of experience in arts management and philanthropy, believing wholeheartedly that the arts are essential to a healthy community—just like business, they drive tourism, bolster the economy, and enhance our quality of life. Before his role at FSU, Maynard served as the Executive Director of Quad City Arts in Rock Island, Illinois, as well as at The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois, where he spearheaded a successful community campaign to renovate the historic 100-year-old theatre. With a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Master of Business Administration from Western Illinois University, Maynard also contributes his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Presenters Network. After all, there's truly no business like show business! For more information, visit https://openingnights.fsu.edu/

Josh, the Executive Director of the Marion Civic and Cultural Center in Marion, Illinois, is recognized for his diverse talents ranging from creative lighting design and technical theater to roles as an arts curator, manager, and administrator. He embodies a highly forward-thinking approach, constantly experimenting with new ideas and quickly adapting to unique situations. His impressive technological know-how supported local artists and the community during challenging times, as he launched the country's first virtual performance series in 2020. Josh is deeply passionate about his family, actively helping to run his wife's clothing boutique, painting enormous murals throughout the city of Marion, and creating intriguing arts experiences that highlight the fact that there's no business like show business. For more information, visit https://marionccc.com/

Danielle Van Hook is the Director of Youth Programs at The Alden Theatre in McLean, Virginia. Danielle has worked in the industry for over 20 years.  She has spent time working with both Wolf Trap and APAP, as well as Juniata College and Bradford County Regional Arts Council. But Really, Danielle is the fun and fire that adds liveliness to our episodes.  She is also a mother, a wife, a director, and an arts leader. for more information visit https://mcleancenter.org/about/visit/the-alden-theatre/

Bryan Zellmer is the Executive Director at Bardavon Presents. Bryan Zellmer has spent 20 years as a non-profit manager and presenter at historic venues in Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Jersey, and New York. Recently, Zellmer completed 7 years as Director of KU Presents at the historic Schaeffer Auditorium on the campus of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Prior to KU Presents, he managed the Rialto Theater in Loveland, Colorado, and was the Director of Cultural Affairs for Sussex County Community College in Newton, New Jersey. He grew up in Orange County, New York, and received his MBA at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. For more information visit https://www.bardavon.org