Arts Services Initiative of Western New York appoints three to board of directors

Appointments continue connections to business sector, expand geographic representation

At its Feb. 19 board of directors meeting, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York appointed three new directors. They are:

•Journey Gunderson - executive director, Lucy Desi Center for Comedy/Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

•Daniel T. Montante - president, Montante Solar

•John A. Mueller - associate, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP.

Gunderson runs one of Chautauqua County's largest cultural tourism destinations, and is a participant in ASI's "cultural summits," which bring together cultural leaders from all over Western New York. She was named one of Business First's "40 Under 40" in 2013.

"ASI's service area includes five counties, and the needs in each of those areas are unique. Having Journey Gunderson on our board will directly connect us to the cultural sector in Chautauqua and their needs," ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said.

Mueller brings an expertise in working with business and economic development through his practice. In addition, he has been a member of The Big Easy in Buffalo committee, an initiative that is now under the direction of ASI, and is a member of the steering committee for this year's "Lawyers for the Arts" fundraiser.

Montante is a Buffalo expat who has worked in Wilmington, Houston and Shanghai. He returned to the area to head Montante Solar.

"As Arts Service Initiative continues its efforts to assist, stabilize and grow cultural organizations while serving as a vital link between the cultural and business sectors, we are proud to welcome John Mueller and Daniel Montante to our board," board President Randy Kramer said.

In other action at the February meeting, Stephanie A. Adams, general counsel at Niagara University, was appointed ASI's pro bono legal counsel, and the following board officers were elected to serve a one-year term:

•President: Kramer - artistic and executive director, MusicalFare Theatre

•Vice president: Kate Koperski - director, Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University

•Secretary: Paulette Harris - artistic director, Paul Robeson Theatre

•Treasurer: Kathleen Godwin - owner, Accounting Repair & Maintenance