Russell Rolen is a cellist, educator, and arts leader who joined GLFM as Executive and Artistic Director in 2026. He was a founding member and executive director of Spektral Quartet, a renowned, multi-GRAMMY®-nominated Chicago ensemble, where he led the organization through its twelve-year tenure. He serves on the Artist Faculty of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he teaches cello and chamber music. His teaching has spanned musicians of all ages and levels, from kindergarteners to 85-year-old retirees.
Outside music, Russell served as Associate Director of Programs at Rebuild Foundation, where he produced over 80 cultural events and led the preservation of legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles’s 5,000-piece vinyl collection. He holds music degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Northwestern University.
Donna Charley-Johnson became Administrator of the Green Lake Festival of Music in 2025, bringing a seasoned and interdisciplinary background anchored in Wisconsin ecology, education, web development, photography, and freelance writing. A lifelong violinist, she is dedicated to strengthening the Festival’s mission by shaping programs that deepen community connection and enrich the artistic experience for all who gather to listen and perform. She lives in Ripon with her family, where she spends her time hiking the Ice Age Trail, reading extensively, and cultivating self-sufficiency on her 1.5-acre homestead. Donna is honored to help steward the Festival’s evolving legacy of inspiration, artistry, and education.
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.