The Smith Welcomes New Members to Its Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Ananda Brutvan, 607-339-9277, abrutvan@thesmith.org
[The Smith Welcomes New Members to Its Board of Directors]
Photo Credit: Jan Regan Photography
GENEVA, NY – The Smith Center for the Arts owns and operates the historic Smith Opera House, and acts as a catalyst for the arts in the Finger Lakes. As a not-for-profit organization, it is led by a Board of Directors, individuals from the community who volunteer their time and lend their expertise to the task of moving forward the strategic initiatives of the organization. As we enter into the new year, the Smith is happy to welcome four new members to its Board.
The slate of new members is Sim Covington, Shanelle France, Jen Menges, and Robb Flowers.
Dr. Sim Covington serves as the Chief Diversity Officer at Finger Lakes Community College and holds a seat on the Canandaigua City Council. He is recognized for his training work with police agencies throughout the Finger Lakes.
Jen Menges, a Finger Lakes local, found her passion in wine and wine education. She serves as the Director of Strategic Development and Sales at Hermann J. Wiemer Winery in Yates County, NY. Jen has been an active member of the Smith’s Special Events Committee, launching events such as A Sparkling Night at The Smith, which returns February 25th.
Shanelle France brings a background in special education and student mentorship to her new position on the Board. She has returned to Geneva to take on the role of Associate Director of Disability Services at her alma mater, Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Robb Flowers, formerly Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, is now employed by Lyons National Bank, the lead sponsor of The Smith’s popular ArtSmart educational performance series for children. Says Flowers, “I’m very happy to join the Board at such an exciting time for the Smith. It was my pleasure to serve on the Board several years ago, and I look forward to the work ahead to help support this local treasure.”
Vinny Aliperti, The Smith’s Vice Chair of the Board and owner of Billsboro Winery, expressed his sincere appreciation for the willingness of these new members to serve, stating, “We are very excited to welcome this latest cohort to the board, and look forward to harnessing their collective energy and talent into realizing the mission of the Smith Opera House.”
To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts visit thesmith.org, or visit or call our box office for phone and in-person sales, 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Friday.
The Smith Center for the Arts, stewards of the historic Smith Opera House, provides diverse arts and educational enrichment opportunities year-round for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts, visit thesmith.org, or visit or call our box office for phone and in-person sales, 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Friday. The Smith Opera House is at 82 Seneca St. in Geneva, NY. Please email boxoffice@thesmith.org or call (315) 781-5483.