Sam Handley was named executive and artistic director of the Green Lake Festival of Music in late 2020, following several months as director designate and previously several years as a member of the Associate Board of Directors. Long involved in service and not-for-profit organizations as a donor, board member, volunteer, fundraiser, and especially a performer and educator, Sam also brings his business education and training to his passion for furthering the mission of the Festival to entertain, inspire, and educate through musical performances and activities of the highest quality. Sam lives in Sheboygan and enjoys cooking, music, hiking, biking, and camping with his wife and daughter.
Deb MacKenzie brings vast experience to the Green Lake Festival as a musician, teacher, and administrator. In addition to her work at the Festival, she holds an appointment within Ripon College’s Department of Music. She works frequently as a collaborative pianist, working with vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, and high school and college theatrical productions. She holds a bachelor of music degree in music therapy from the University of Iowa and a master of music degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Erin Ter Beest is a Digital Marketing Strategist committed to enhancing the online visibility and engagement of nonprofits. With a passion for content strategy and expertise in digital marketing as well as a background in the nonprofit world, she provides a comprehensive suite of services including consulting, social media management, email marketing, and content development. These services are tailored to help organizations of all types amplify their impact and achieve their objectives. Outside of work, Erin enjoys good food, books, traveling, and life on her family’s regenerative farm.
Lelani Sanchez grew up in Princeton and has many childhood memories of this beautiful area: from scaling the city plowed snowbanks that got as high as the street signs, to long summer days spent chasing beach balls on Green Lake and wandering the Princeton Flea Market with a fistful of coins. She loves to travel but she is also a passionate advocate of the “staycation”, so she is thrilled to be a part of an organization that fosters vibrant community experiences for visitors and locals alike! Lelani lives in Ripon with her husband and two children and they are always on the lookout for family friendly ways to while away the hours.
Makenna Frank is a recent graduate Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois with a Bachelor of Music in Music Business. She has an interest in pursuing a career in the live music industry, having experience working in WIU’s recital hall as a livestream and audio engineer as well as being on the executive board of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, bringing guests to campus for musical performances. Outside of WIU, she is a recipient of the Lamond GenNext Award through the NAMM Foundation and the College Music Society, which sponsored her travel to the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Aside from music, she likes to dance, spend time with her family and friends, and go thrift shopping!