Incubating Artistic, Cultural & Intellectual Growth in North Carolina
Board and Advisors
At the North Carolina Arts Incubator, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the vibrant communities we serve. Our Board and Advisors bring a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise, ensuring that our programs and initiatives are not only innovative but also rooted in the values of equity, accessibility, and engagement.
We believe that the arts should be a platform for every voice, and we strive to create spaces where individuals from all walks of life can collaborate, create, and thrive. By actively engaging with artists, community leaders, and local organizations, we aim to strengthen the cultural fabric of our region and provide opportunities for all to connect with the transformative power of the arts.
Our Focus
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Arts Incubator is committed to building a sustainable future through the creation of a comprehensive five-year plan. This strategic roadmap focuses on stabilizing the organization by eliminating debt, diversifying funding sources, and realigning our programs and initiatives to better serve the evolving needs of Chatham County’s diverse communities.
As the face of our county continues to change, we are dedicated to ensuring that our work remains inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the dynamic cultural landscape.
With the guidance of our Board and Advisors, we are focused on strengthening our financial foundation, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that the arts continue to be a vital and transformative resource for all residents, regardless of background or circumstance.
Our Board
Chairperson
Lisa Fedele
Vice-Chairperson
Nomination Pending
Secretary
Dare L. Montague
Wrenn Farrar (Emeritis Advisor)
Treasurer
Denis de St Aubin (Emeritis Advisor)
Krystal Foxx
Michelle Ramirez
Denis de St. Aubin Jr (Emetis Advisor)
Melissa McLauren
Michael Feezor (Non-Voting)
Advisory Committee
The NC Arts Incubator’s (NCAI) board made the strategic decision to form a Special Advisory Committee for the sole purpose of developing a short-term and long-term facilities plan. This will provide an unbiased, fair and equitable point of view as we move forward on all decisions regarding our organization and assets
Siler City is at a tipping point as expansion from the 15-501 corridor, the mega-site development and the upgrading of US-421 to I-685, put our small town in the crosshair for rapid expansion in the coming decade.
The committee is composed of a cross-section of NCAI stakeholders bringing a mix of artists, community members and industry experts together. The goal is to help us align the building use to our mission, the current needs of our community and to create a plan for growth and sustainability for the future.
Stakeholders consulted include:
Dr. Krystal Foxx, Director of Career Services, Vance Granville Community College (Current Board Member)
A native of Chatham County, Krystal has over 15 years of leadership experience serving in various educational organizations ranging from nonprofits to higher education institutions. Krystal has a passion for career development, adult learning, and STEM/STEAM advocacy for underrepresented groups. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for The NC Arts Incubator she is a Board Member for Women NC, and is a founding member of a giving circle called SOAR Collective NC.
Lauran Hoders, Strategic and Creative Communications Specialist – Siler City Resident
Lauran is a self-described thinker and doer. A proven leader with progressive experience with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and nonprofits. She is passionate about solving complex challenges with strategic and creative solutions. Her commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence—from start to finish—is central to her ability to drive value and foster change.
Bill Janhonen, Building Science Instructor – Siler City Resident
Bill’s combination of experience provides him a large practical and technical knowledge base for the NCAI to tap into. He has worked in finance, property management, retail management and in the title industry. Bill grew up in the construction industry and was a contractor for 38 years. He is familiar with both residential and commercial construction. Since 1997 he has acted as a Management Advisor to MGJ Reality Corporation and Golson Realty. His property management experience as VP/Operations Manager included managing 55 commercial buildings, comprising 1 million/sqft.
Tych Cowden, Executive Director, Communities in Schools Chatham County
Since joining the CIS Chatham County team as the organization’s first Student Support Specialist in July 2014, Tych has served in a number of capacities with the agency – most recently as Director of School Based Programs. Starting April 1, 2020 Tych assumed the role of Executive Director. His focus is aimed at supporting the 7 CIS school and community-based programs, by continuing to build on their strong tradition of youth and family support.
Tych arrived in North Carolina just under 10 years ago from Topeka, Kansas after completing his Masters of Business Administration at Washburn University. Tych has held a wide variety of roles throughout his professional career, and joined the CIS Chatham County team after two years as an Operations Assistant with the University of North Carolina football team. Tych has been a teacher, a coach and a mentor and enjoys being able to utilize his people skills and passion for community development.
Melissa McLauren, Living Vine Pottery – Siler City Resident, Incubator Artist
Melissa is a studio artist and Studio Manager at the NCAI. Melissa is a teacher, artist and community organizer. She moved to Siler City in 2021 with her husband and immediately began creating educational programming at the Incubator including Chess Lessons and Pottery classes. Melissa also assists with the curation of shows in the Incubator’s PAF gallery.
John Farnsworth, Founder BGood.org, Charlie Mike, Retired COO – Silk Hope Resident, Music Series Sponsor and local real estate entrepreneur
John brings a wealth of knowledge of the real estate and building management world as well as the non-profit space. He is an advisor for both The Alliance and NCAI on business, suitability and growth topics.
BGood.org focuses on backing community solutions in Chatham County. With renewed scholarships at the Hispanic Liaison and Communities in Schools, collaborative efforts at the Siler City Community Garden, The Alliance, and increased support for the animal rescue therapy at Charlie Mike, Bgood.org continues to power the community.
Jaye Kreller, Inhabit Real Estate
In addition to her many years of real estate practice, Jaye is a trusted advisor, has been a board member on many nonprofits and is an active member of the arts community in the Triad and Triangle.