Board and Staff
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley. We celebrate art in the everyday by cultivating all types of creative exploration and artistic expression, and encourage us all to see the beauty inherent in the simple and ordinary parts of day-to-day life. Through community collaborations, events and art-based initiatives, the HV Arts Council highlights our local talents and enriches the cultural and creative life of our community.
Our Board of Trustees
Dennis Hagen – Dennis has been a Board Member since 2019 with a focus on music-related activities and events. Dennis is the Director of Sales and Marketing for a large Japanese corporation and brings his expertise in fund raising to the HV Arts Council. Dennis is part of a classic rock band and enjoys working with young musicians.
Erwin Harbat – Born and raised in Hopewell Valley, Erwin owned and operated a dairy farm and was the CEO of Agrain, a grain merchandizing operation. He currently owns and manages a real estate management company. Very active in the community, Erwin is a Trustee of the Woosamonsa School House, and was the former VP of the Pennington Business & Professionals Association. Erwin joined the Board in 2020 and represents the perspectives of our local Seniors.
Michelle Needham (President and Board Member since 2016) – Michelle is a licensed Realtor with BHHS Fox Roach-Princeton with over 25 years of experience. Michelle is very active in the community as a member of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Pennington Business & Professional Association and serves on the Pennington Economic Development Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission and YMCA Annual TJ Golf Outing.
C.a.Shofed – Craig is a Fine Arts Photographer and active in his adopted hometown of Trenton, NJ. He serves on many boards that support the artists who work and live within the city’s borders, including Artworks Trenton, and the Trenton Arts Fund Board and was the curator of the BSB Gallery. Craig owns, operates, and promotes his art through his company Amphora Design, LLC.
Former Trustees: Betsy Ackerman+, Liz Bell, Dawn Berman, Elaine Borges, Chad Goerner, Ken Hill, Heidi Kahme, Liza Morehouse, Jennifer Petrino, Bob Prewitt*, Vanessa Sandom, Randi Tengi+, Jennifer Wasserman, Kyle Wille
Our Staff
Carol Lipson – Acting Executive Director+ – As one of the founding members of the Arts Council in 2014, Carol has worked for many years as a volunteer and served as a Board Member. Her previous professional positions include, Vice President of Marketing for a high-tech Fortune 500 management consulting firm, and Senior Partner with a computer time-sharing company, as well as a variety of software sales and sales management positions. Carol has also served on the management team of the Philadelphia Flower Show for twenty years. Her creative pursuits include mixed media collage, photography, gardening and floral design.
Mary Galioto – PR & Media Consultant – A seasoned public relations professional, Mary is the publisher and founder of a hyperlocal independent online news website. She has a BA in English from Binghamton University and a JD from Seton Hall Law School. Mary also explores a variety of art mediums in particular photography, digital art, and drawing.
Non-Profit Accounting Solutions, LLC (NPAS) – Contracted in 2022, NPAS specialized in accounting services for non-profit and tax-exempt organizations. Formed in 2014 by Ann C. Zawartkay, CPA, CGMA, the firm and its staff are well-versed in the financial reporting and compliance needs specific to various types of tax-exempt organizations. Their expertise includes auditing and assurance, preparation of Form 990, preparation of state charitable registrations and renewals, operational efficiency consulting, internal controls, bookkeeping and financial reporting.
+ Past Board President
* In Remembrance