2026 Board of Directors
- Jennifer Pahl-Otto, President
- Eileen DeLorenzo Vice President, Treasurer
- Jean Bolley, Secretary
- Mike Cox
- Patrick Folley
- Robin Nott
- Larry Castleberry
- Judy Sima
- Elana Nanney
We are currently looking for others interested in serving on the board of the Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival.
We are dedicated to supporting storytellers, guiding new tellers, and strengthening the inclusive nature of storytelling’s interconnected communities. The festival hosts in-person and online storytelling concerts, workshops, and performance opportunities for storytellers, families, and individuals throughout Michigan and beyond. The festival’s mission statement emphasizes the importance of storytelling in entertainment, meaningful connections, and deepening our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the world. Choosing to serve within our nonprofit organization enables you to become an integral part of this mission.
Completing the form will help you understand the skills, time, and resource commitments of this leadership position. Please return the completed application to us via email to Jennifer.Pahl.Otto@gmail.com. All new directors are elected by a majority vote of current Board members.
Download Application in PDF format.
Download Application in Word format.
BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Serve a minimum of one (1) three-year term on the Board. Eligible to serve one (1) additional consecutive three-year term, if re-elected, for a total of six (6) years. We encourage those interested in serving in a leadership role as officers to share this interest with the board chair. A slate of officers is presented for approval each November.
2. Make a serious commitment to participate actively in planning, implementing, and attending the Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival. The annual festival is held the first Saturday of November in Howell, MI.
3. Regularly attend Board and Planning Committee meetings. Virtual Planning Committee meetings are held monthly on a mutually agreeable day and time via Zoom. Currently we meet on a Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 am. Other meetings may be called as needed.
4. Build a collegial working relationship with Board and Committee members with a goal of contributing to consensus.
5. Stay informed about Committee and Board matters. Come prepared to meetings and share your opinions, experience, and talents with the group in order to advance the mission.
6. Participate in the Committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
7. Make a financial commitment to the organization each year, to the best of your ability signifying the importance of the mission.