The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today the recent election of officers to lead the governing body of the agency.
Alberta Barker, Lafayette, was elected as Chair. Barker graduated summa cum laude from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin ABA National Trust School and Cannon Trust School, earning the designation of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor. Barker is heavily invested in her community through endeavors with the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette; Art Museum of Greater Lafayette Foundation Board; Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Foundation; Estate Planning Council; and Ivy Tech Regional Development Committee. She is currently Vice President and Personal Trust Administrator to 1st Source Bank’s Lafayette Wealth Advisory Services.
L–R: Alberta Barker, Anne Penny Valentine, Yolanda "Dusty" Stemer
Anne Penny Valentine, Carmel, was chosen as Vice-Chair. Before assuming her current position as Vice President of Government Relations with the United Way of Central Indiana, Anne served as the Assistant Vice President of Workforce Partnerships with Ivy Tech. She also served as legislative director for Governor Mitch Daniels, with additional government experience as legislative director for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and Deputy Commissioner for Communications and Government Affairs with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Prior to working with state government, Valentine had experience in arts administration serving as Vice President for the Arts Council of Indianapolis; Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Edyvean Repertory Theatre; and Executive Director for Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.
Yolanda “Dusty” Stemer, Chesterton, will serve as Secretary. Yolanda is a community volunteer and long-time advocate and supporter of the arts. She is a trustee of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago and has served as Gala Co-chair for the museum's Annual Gala De Arte five times. She also serves on the Smithsonian Latino Board, the Women's Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, and is a member of the Chicago History Museum's Costume Council. She is also a member of the Service Club of Chicago. The Stemer's have extended their philanthropy to not only cultural organizations, but to institutions of higher learning and medical centers. they have six children: Jordan, a PA in dermatology; Brian, noted shoe designer of the Brian Atwood shoes; Cameron, a teacher; Andy, a medical doctor who is the director of the Stroke Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in DC; Emily, a homemaker; Zak, a creative director for a marketing company. Yolanda and her husband, Alexander, reside in Chesterton, Indiana.
The election of officers for the Commission took place during its June 25, 2021, quarterly business meeting in Indianapolis. Officers are chosen by their fellow commissioners to serve a one-year term of office. They are responsible for implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan, overseeing the management of agency policy and procedure, and responsible for hiring the agency’s executive director.