The Van Wezel Foundation has announced expansion of its board of directors and the election of chair Jim Travers. This new leadership sets the stage for the Foundation as it enters a new chapter and extends its mission: to create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education and inspires young minds. Travers is a senior technology executive, having built high-growth technology companies in the public and private sectors over the course of his 35-year career. Most recently, Travers served as Chairman and CEO of Fleetmatics, Inc., a global software service company that was purchased by Verizon in 2016.

Newly elected board members include Ali Bahaj, former Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar, who will serve as Governance Committee Chair; Vern Chalfant, former Executive Chairman and CEO of McLarens Global Limited, who will serve on the Strategic Planning Committee; Jenne Brittel, Ph.D., former Chairman of United Rentals; and Chad Campbell, Regional President of BMO Harris Bank. The remaining board members will continue their service, including Vice-Chair Mike Martella, Gerald Biller, Brian Ellerson, Mark Famiglio, David Koffman, Elaine McClure, Karl Newkirk, Sharyn Weiner and Michael Wilson. Ex officio board members will be Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation.  

Van Wezel Foundation