At Arts Services Inc. (ASI), our mission to empower artists and arts organizations in Western New York thrives through the collaboration of dedicated individuals, including our Board of Directors. ASI’s board plays a vital role in guiding our vision of fostering inclusive creative communities where artists of all backgrounds can access the resources they need to flourish. This year, we’re delighted to welcome new members who bring their expertise, passion, and diverse perspectives to our team.
Board service at ASI is more than an administrative role—it’s a commitment to championing the transformative power of the arts. From advocating for equitable funding opportunities to strengthening connections across our region, ASI’s board members help steer the creative momentum that uplifts Western New York’s cultural landscape.
We are thrilled to introduce three new members joining our board this year:
Stephen Grimm brings a dynamic blend of professional expertise and personal passion to ASI’s Board of Directors. With over a decade of experience in brand growth, member engagement, and strategic partnerships, Stephen is currently the Marketing Director at Calamar Management Group, where he oversees marketing for senior living communities across the Northeast and Midwest. His background in creating impactful campaigns, leveraging data-driven strategies, and fostering community connections is an invaluable asset to ASI.
Stephen’s commitment to ASI’s mission is rooted in his belief in the transformative power of the arts to bring people together and inspire change. Having grown up immersed in Buffalo’s vibrant art scene, he developed an appreciation for creativity’s ability to bridge generations and spark dialogue. Professionally, he has collaborated with arts organizations to amplify their stories, witnessing firsthand how thoughtful outreach can elevate their impact. In his role at ASI, Stephen is eager to enhance visibility for the organization’s initiatives and explore opportunities to expand access to the arts. He is particularly interested in connecting senior communities with creative programming, recognizing the potential of the arts to foster connection and enhance well-being.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Stephen is a dedicated traveler and Disney enthusiast, drawn to the meticulous attention to detail and joy that infuse Disney’s world-class experiences. His vision, strategic planning experience, and personal enthusiasm for the arts make him a vital addition to ASI’s mission.
Kimberly Schuette brings extensive experience in arts administration to ASI’s Board of Directors. Since relocating to Jamestown, NY, in 2022, she has served as Managing Director of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Manager of Artistic Administration at Chautauqua Institution, where she oversees programming for chamber music and popular entertainment. Her career includes over a decade as Assistant Director of Programming at the Virginia Arts Festival and early work with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra during a pivotal time of artistic innovation.
A lifelong musician who studied piano and viola, Kimberly’s passion for the arts began early and has shaped her professional path. She is excited to support ASI’s mission and looks forward to contributing to its growth in Chautauqua County and beyond.
Outside of work, Kimberly’s musical tastes are as varied as her career, with a road trip playlist featuring Queen, Taylor Swift, The Eagles, and High School Musical. Her dedication and perspective are invaluable as ASI continues to empower the arts in Western New York.
Rick Davis, Executive Director of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center, joins ASI’s Board of Directors with a wealth of experience in arts management, marketing, and project management. With an 18-year tenure at the Opera House, Rick has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant performing arts scene in Fredonia. His career has spanned diverse sectors, including corporate, academic, and municipal government, where he honed his meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills—qualities he now brings to ASI.
Rick’s relationship with ASI began years ago when the organization served as a vital resource for grants and guidance in the arts sector. As a new board member, he is eager to deepen his understanding of ASI’s broader initiatives and contribute to its mission of empowering artists and arts organizations across Western New York.
A lifelong advocate for the arts, Rick credits music and theatre with providing him a safe space in his youth and a meaningful escape as an adult. Whether performing as a choir member and drama enthusiast during his school years or now presenting performances at the Opera House, Rick is passionate about the transformative power of shared artistic experiences. Seeing audiences captivated by a performance—and the lively conversations that follow—is one of his greatest joys.
When he’s not supporting the arts, Rick is an unabashed TV enthusiast, happily losing himself in crime dramas, reality shows, and sitcoms. If he could invite anyone to dinner, it would be Angela Lansbury, his musical theatre idol, for what he imagines would be an evening filled with charm and inspiration.
Rick’s dedication, experience, and genuine love for the arts make him a valuable addition to ASI’s board as it continues to champion the creative community in Western New York.
