board of directors
- Michele Buzbee, President
Local Entrepreneur - Neil Dalal, Vice- President
Emerson - Deb Borton, Treasurer
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation - Kirsten Schmit, Secretary
Nation Wide - Deirdre Gruendler
The Liminoid Group - John Hall
Marshalltown Chamber - Tania Fonseca
Emerson - John Gervich
M Gervich & Sons - Elisabeth Bieber
Edward Jones - Anne Howsare-Boyens
Iowa Valley Community College District - Josh Cox (Ex-Officio)
Local Artist
executive director, amber danielson
Amber is a Marshalltown, Iowa native and has served as the Executive Director of the Arts + Culture Alliance since 2016. She is a Marshalltown Community College and University of Northern Iowa graduate where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business.
Amber and her husband were born and raised in Marshalltown and intentionally came back after moving away for a short period of time to raise a family. They are proud to call Marshalltown home and are amazed at the continued progress, growth and perseverance of the community.
Under her leadership, the Arts + Culture Alliance has added more than 30 public art installations throughout the community totaling over half a million dollars. She has generated over $6 million dollars in grant funding for creativity in her community and most recently spearheaded the development of the city’s first Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Over the years she has been a part of the Youth and Shelter Services, Trails Inc., 13th Street District Board, Board of Adjustments and Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center Board of Directors. She has sat on grant panels for the Iowa Arts Council and Arts Midwest, and provided leadership with Marshalltown’s Iowa Great Places, Marshalltown Arts & Civic Museum and Vision Marshalltown committees.
Most notably, she was the recipient of the 2023 Governor’s Emerging Arts Leader award for the State of Iowa and received the Outstanding Leader Award by Youth and Shelter Services. Currently, Amber serves as the Chair of the Iowa Arts Council Board of Directors, is a member of the Rotary Club of Marshalltown, leads a state-wide arts leaders networking group and was elected as a Board Member for the Iowa Valley Community College District.
marketing & program coordinator, shannon johnson
Shannon, a Marshalltown native, oversees the development and execution of the ACA’s marketing strategies, manages key programs, and collaborates with our creative community to enhance awareness and engagement. Her connection to Marshalltown runs deep, as she has been an active and dedicated member of the community for many years. She is well-known for her collaborative and welcoming spirit, having built strong relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders. Her genuine passion for fostering a vibrant, welcoming and connected community enables her to effectively amplify the ACA’s mission and strengthen its ties within Marshalltown and beyond. Through her extensive involvement in local events and initiatives, Shannon is a trusted leader who understands the unique needs of the region.
SUPPORT THE ARTS
Together, with your support, we can create opportunities for a thriving and vibrant community. Make a 100% tax deductible donation* online today.
*The Arts + Culture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have any questions, please contact us.