Board of Directors

Lou Pierozzi – Interim President

Lou is the Chair of the Art and Design department and a Distinguished Professor of Art at Oakton College, a position he has held since 2001. He teaches wheel-throwing classes, ceramics classes, and the fundamentals of three-dimensional design. Lou earned his M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and his B.F.A. from DePaul University. As an award-winning ceramic artist, his work has been featured in numerous publications, museums, and galleries. He is passionate about creating functional pottery using the potter’s wheel.

John Bartos – Treasurer, Financial Advisor

John is a CPA with an MBA and a talent for resolving complex financial issues. He is enthusiastic about data analysis and possesses extensive skills in Financial Planning and Analysis, NetSuite, SAP, financial reports, financial modeling, variance analysis, cash forecasting, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Debra Hatchett – Secretary, Public Communications, Webmaster, Selection Committee

Debra brings over 40 years of experience in the non-profit sector, serving as a producer, executive director, business manager, grant writer, and fundraiser for visual and performing arts organizations. She is the founder of Anatomically Correct Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization established in 1991, which is dedicated to uniting communities by showcasing visual and performing artists. Since its founding, Debra has curated more than 400 exhibitions, juried over 10 visual art competitions, and collaborated with thousands of artists in various disciplines.

In recognition of her tireless dedication to promoting the arts in Skokie and the surrounding areas and for her support of local artists, she received the Award for Artistic Excellence from the Village of Skokie in 2021. This honor is commemorated with a plaque that is permanently displayed at the NorthShore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL.

Additionally, Debra volunteered as a commissioner on the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission for 15 years and served as a Special Advisor for the Great Lakes Operetta Company.

Sonya Baysinger – Executive Director

Sonya earned her Master of Arts degree from Washington State University and her Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is a working artist and serves as an Instructor of Art at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL, as well as at Columbia College Chicago. Sonya teaches courses in sculpture, jewelry and metals, and 3-D design. Her sculptures, jewelry, drawings, and paintings have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. In addition to various grants that have supported her projects and professional development, she has received the Arts Midwest Award and the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Award.

Gary Newhouse – Emeritus, Past President

Gary worked at the Skokie Public Library and retired after 26 years from Oakton Community College, where he served as Dean of the libraries, Online Learning, and the Koehnline Museum of Art and Sculpture Park. He is a past president and currently serves as an advisor to the SNSP.