April 02, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Lilian Demas, of Bruce Township, Michael Kasper, of Dowagiac, and Carol Snapp, of Kalamazoo, to the Michigan Council on Arts and Cultural Affairs.
The 15-member council, housed in the Michigan Economic Development Corp., helps create an environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity to support Michigan's quality of life and economic vitality.
“Michigan has a rich artistic history and I am confident these appointees will do great work to continue supporting our state’s diverse and vibrant cultural activities,” Snyder said.
Demas most recently was the principal of the International Academy of Macomb, IB World High School, and was previously principal of Armada High School. Demas serves on the Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors, where she has assisted in the development of educational partnerships between the DIA and Macomb County schools. Demas earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Wayne State University, a master’s degree in English from Oakland University, and an educational specialist degree from Wayne State University. She will serve a four-year term expiring Sept. 1, 2018, and replaces Robert LoFiego.
Kasper is the business analyst for Mno-Bmadsen, the economic enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He also served as a private wealth management intern for UBS Financial Services. Kasper was named a Native American 40 Under 40 in 2012 from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise, served as president of the Dartmouth Boxing Club, and is currently a board member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Constitutional Review Board. Kasper earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College. He will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Sept. 1, 2015, and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Maud Lyon.
Snapp is a program officer for the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation. She served as the communications manager and program officer for Arcus Foundation, executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry and Dancers, and curator of exhibitions and collections at the Art Center of Battle Creek. She is the former chair of the Kalamazoo County Public Arts Commission, founding board member of SmartShop Metal Arts Collective, founding committee member of Kalamazoo Art Hop, and art fair juror for Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Snapp earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art with concentrations in sculpture and dance from Western Michigan University. She serves the remainder of a four-year term to expiring Sept. 1, 2016, and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Sharnita Johnson.
Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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