BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024/25 SEASON

BECKY YACHT-YHAP - VICE PRESIDENT:

MANDY KNEER – TREASURER:

HEATHER BOYLAN – SECRETARY:

EILEEN HICKEY:

Eileen is an Engineer by trade and Costumer and consummate Centennial State Ballet Board Member by choice.

She first became engaged in the incipient Longmont Dance Theatre (LDT) studio when Kristin Kingsley (CSB’s founder) arrived in Longmont. Her 4 year old daughter had already spent a year in ballet at another local studio, but with Kristin’s arrival in town, her daughter, Kiera, switched to Kristin’s tutelage. That was the beginning of a 14 year relationship with an awesome studio, incredible instructors, serious discipline and entertaining performances several times a year, always including the Nutcracker at the holiday season. Because of or despite Kiera’s health issues; ballet, modern, and the family relationships of performers with whom she grew up, Kiera survived to adulthood. Eileen’s many other family members have also enjoyed time with this ballet program. Kiera’s success in life, as Eileen believes, are a direct result of the confidence, the personal presence, and the ease with hard work that Kristin inculcated in her dancers.

While Kiera danced Eileen was introduced to the entertaining and interesting world of costuming and is still CSB’s head costumer after all these years.. Joining an incredible group of dedicated parents, Eileen learned about sewing for costuming and enjoyed years of companionship that the ever changing group of seamstresses provided.

When LDT’s performance sector turned to a non profit and then rebranded as CSB, Eileen was a founding member of Centennial State Ballet’s (CSB) non-profit board of directors. EIleen was on the original board for many years until her incessant engineering (work) travel limited her practical use. Fortunately for CSB, the advent of COVID’s travel restrictions, and the organization’s focus on keeping the performances ‘on stage’, even if streaming, brought her back.

Eileen very much hopes to support other performers and students along the way. The contributions from dance including health-strengthening, personal comfort on stage, and a very real sense of personal presence in any circumstance keep Eileen engaged. Eileen believes in strongly supporting the dance environment that encourages anyone to embrace

JOAN REED:

Joan started volunteering with the ballet in 1997 (then known as LDT) when her 3-year-old daughter decided she wanted to dance. She had volunteered in many different groups around Longmont and when her daughter started dancing she took it upon herself to once more put on her volunteer hat. As a jack of all trades when it came to the arts and including being a well-trained seamstress this seemed to be a perfect fit. Long after her daughter had to leave because of an illness, she stayed on to volunteer with whatever needed help but mainly costumes. As her daughter nears 30 years of age Joan is still doing a small amount of costuming and recently joined the CSB BoDs in order to help in other ways. As she remains actively engaged she is interested to see the organization grow and change according to what the world brings.

LAZLO HUNT - PRESIDENT:

Lazlo Hunt has an MA in Special Education and Educational Leadership. He began his career in education teaching special education with a focus on students with emotional disabilities. He has spent the past 15 years serving as Director of Special Education and Principal. He has extensive experience in budgeting, human resources, and strategic planning. He relies upon his education and leadership experience to support as a board member.

Lazlo has two daughters that have danced with LDTA and CSB over the past 5 years although his since they were each about three years old. Before joining CSB, his daughters had mostly competition dance studio experience. His family was excited to join the CSB family when they moved to Longmont in 2018. Lazlo has been volunteering for multiple opportunities from load out to front of the house. Lazlo is committed to the mission of CSB for our performers and our community.

STEVE JACOBSON:

Steve reprises the role of grandpa annually from his successful stints in years past.  In addition to performing as grandpa in CSB's presentation of the Nutcracker,  Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for the Centennial State Ballet. Mr Jacobson has enjoyed success in both business and government,  as well as the founding of two thriving nonprofits to benefit inner city youth sports.  

CANDY CAMPBELL: