Board of Directors
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What is the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors is the governing body that supervises the activities of Aethereal Jest Arts Council. The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the board are determined by government regulations and the organization's bylaws. The board is accountable to AJAC's membership, which elect the members of the board. The board of directors appoints the Executive Director of the organization and sets out the overall strategic direction.
Each board member serves a critical role in the Board of Directors. Because they do not have one permanent set of duties, they are available to take on tasks as the board’s strategy evolves or urgent matters become apparent. The importance of a board member lies in their ability to offer a broad perspective and diverse insights to the board. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills from various backgrounds, which can enrich discussions,
enhance decision-making processes, and ensure the board considers a wide
range of viewpoints.
2025/2026 Board of Directors
President
Brian A. Palmer
brianpalmer@aetherealjest.com
Brian is a creator who strives to increase community engagement with the arts by creating spaces and platforms for other artists to share their talents. He believes that a passion for the arts is more important than having natural talent in the arts.
He has been an active member in the Columbus theatre community since 2012 in a number of capacities including directing, stage managing, costume design, and performing. Currently Brian is working toward building an environment that aims to support artists both in their creative pursuits as well as their social networks.
Brian holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. When he is not focused on one artistic endeavor or another, Brian enjoys spending time with his husband and two dogs.
Vice President
Shana French
shanafrench@aetherealjest.com
Shana has performed volunteer work at several organizations around central Ohio and aims to help Aethereal Jest flourish.
In the past she has volunteered with Pickerington Community Theatre, Worthington Community Theatre, the Reynoldsburg Community Association, the Reynoldsburg Board of Education, and Rosehill Elementary PTO.
Shana was previously cast in The Lottery and Rome is Where the Heart Is from Community Theatre Triple Feature - Volume One and All the World's a Stage with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She loves performing for local community theater and spending time with her family and dogs.
Treasurer
Anthony Reitzel
anthonyreitzel@aetherealjest.com
Anthony is an accountant and finance professional with over nine years of experience in public firm and industry accounting roles. He is a licensed certified public accountant and lover of the literary and musical arts. Anthony lives in Hilliard with his husband, Brian, and their two adorable dogs.
Secretary
Tina Palmer
tinapalmer@aetherealjest.com
Tina owns and operates Revive Studios and is a certified instructor and life coach. She is passionate about helping people transform their lives, empowering them to reach their full potential through art, teaching, mentoring, and coaching.
Over the years, she has volunteered with her church’s youth groups, the Tri-County Survivor Advocacy Program, Alateen, and mentored children and teenagers. She also home-educated for twenty-one years and was a co-founder and leader of Heritage Home Educators and HHE Co-op.
Tina lives in the Hocking Hills area with her husband, Derek, and loves spending time with her four adult children and their families, which includes five amazing grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, flower gardening, and always has another book to read.
Director at Large
Randi Honkonen
randihonkonen@aetherealjest.com
Randi is a marketing and communications professional, currently working in higher education. She has been dancing since she was six, but only discovered the magic of community theater as an adult. She has served as a dance captain in numerous productions and routinely performs with Columbus Entertainment Productions 4 Charity. When the dance shoes come off, it's likely you'll find her sipping wine and spending time with her boyfriend and rescue pup.
Ex Officio, Membership Chair
Chris Makar
Chris has lived with her husband (and now four grown children) in Gahanna for fifty plus years. She has a B.S. in Music Education, is a National Board Certified retired music teachers and has a M.A. in the Art of Teaching.
She is usually involved with over three to four theater production a year. Chris has been music director, in orchestra or pit, and played as rehearsal accompanist. Some of her involvement includes: Gahanna Community Theatre, Little Theatre Off Broadway, Pickerington Community Theatre, Hilliard Arts Council, King Avenue Players, Aethereal Jest Arts Council, and Central Ohio high school musicals.