Staff & Board
Welcome to Our New Executive Director
A warm welcome to Ken Dymond, Sylvania Arts Executive Director.
Mr. Dymond is a long time resident of Sylvania and has volunteered his time for Sylvania Arts for many years. Mr. Dymond recently transitioned from a lifetime career in public education and has an extensive background in coordinating events and group leadership. “I’m very excited to step into this important role as a way to stay involved in the arts and the community in which I live.” We are looking forward to all that Mr. Dymond can do to move Sylvania Arts forward and continue a long tradition in the community.
Youth Theatre Artistic Director
The Sylvania Arts Youth Theatre Program, ages 9-18, has been a staple in the community for over 15 years. Artistic Director Irina Zaurov created this Program with former board president Dr. Rona Simon to give local kids an outlet to express themselves creatively onstage. The Program consists of a Fall production, Spring classes, and a Summer Production Workshop Two-week Camp. Irina Zaurov has extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults in the theatre realm. She holds Master’s degrees in Performing Arts and Theater from Moscow, where she was classically trained, as well as from the University of Toledo. Throughout the years, Irina has taught thousands of Sylvania Youth the joys of theatre. Many of her students have gone on to pursue acting professionally and have worked all over the nation.
The Sylvania Community Orchestra directed by Ronald G Koch
Ronald G. Koch taught instrumental music in Michigan for 33 years. The last 25 years were spent with Bedford Public Schools, directing all high school bands. Koch received his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a Masters of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He has studied with renowned wind conductors Norman C. Dietz, Eugene Corporon and Jack Williamson. Koch plays French horn for the Monroe Community College Symphonic Band and many local orchestra pits. He co-conducts the Ein Prosit German Band and leads the Sylvania Senior Center Band and the Sylvania Community Orchestra.
2024 Board of Directors
Laura Jakes – President | The Jakes Group Marketing
Regina Mapstone – Vice President | Promedica
Steve Tobis – Treasurer | Retired Business Owner
Laura Megeath – Secretary | Lourdes University
Jim Gosman – Community Orchestra Chair | Ohio State University
Joshua Lightle – Tree City Film Festival Chair | Root, Inc.
Alana Tobis-Theater Chair
Ken Dymond-Executive Director
Trustees
Marcus Hansen | Owens-Illinois/Sylvania City Council
Brian Kezur | Sylvania Steel
Gabe Ng | Spacebar
James Perlman | Groth & Associates
Nate Schank | Heidelberg Distributing
Maureen Adkins | Sylvania Township Trustee
Stacy Spinazze | Regina Coeli School
Emily Kramp-CVS Pharmacy
“Creativity takes courage.”
— Henri Matisse