Grand Rapids Art Museum announces eight new trustees

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 12, 2026 — The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is pleased to announce the election of new trustees and the re-election of returning trustees. The group brings a range of professional expertise, community leadership and passion for the arts that will help support the Museum’s mission and operations.

The following individuals have been appointed to serve as new trustees:

Museum Board of Trustees

Jennifer Drake serves as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Grand Valley State University, where she leads academic strategy and innovation across the institution. Her work focuses on expanding access to education, supporting faculty teaching, research and creative activity, and strengthening connections between the university and community.

Aileen Strickland McGee currently serves as director of impact, people + planet at Steelcase, where she leads a team catalyzing collective action by reimagining systems and designing strategies that center the wellbeing of people and the planet. Aileen is also founder of Prismatic Center, a creative systems impact studio helping imagine and build life-centered systems, rooted in love. She is passionate about the power of design, cooperation, systems thinking and presence to create more just, equitable and regenerative futures. 

Liza Nedd is a dedicated community leader, philanthropist and advocate for arts and cultural engagement in West Michigan. In addition to her service on local committees and boards, Liza is an avid art collector. 

Robbie Reynolds spent her career working in marketing research and product development. In addition to her board service with GRAM, she has contributed her time to several museum event committees.
 
Jeffery Roberts is the founder and principal of Jeffery Roberts Design. For over 40 years, Jeffery has worked at the intersection of interior design, fashion, architecture and fine arts. 

Erin Sarber serves as president of the Museum’s volunteer council and has been a dedicated ambassador for GRAM through her volunteer service. Her deep engagement with volunteers and patrons strengthens community connection and institutional support.

Ashley Soto is a global employee experience analyst at Steelcase, where she partners across teams to translate employee insights into experience-driven strategy and change. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, she is the chair of GRAM’s Visionnaire Executive Committee, supporting programs and events that cultivate lifelong engagement with GRAM among young creatives. 

Foundation Board of Trustees

Ruth Posthumus is an adjunct education professor at Calvin University and a practicing artist. She has dedicated her career to supporting young people through education, previously serving as principal of Kenowa Hills Middle School and teaching at Oakdale Christian School.

The Museum also celebrates the continued service of trustees Scott Branc, Pat Brewer, India Manns, Stephanie Naito and Carol Sarosik, who have been re-elected to serve additional terms on the museum board. In addition, Thomas DeMeester continues his service on the foundation board.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum  
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and status as the world’s first LEED® Gold certified art museum. Founded in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include 6,700 works of art, including American and European 19^th and 20^th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft.

For museum hours and admission fees, call 616.831.1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org.

 

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