Board Members
Michelle Hillyard
Michelle Hillyard (Board Chair) was raised in Gander, NL, and moved to Steinbach in 2007. She is the Manager of Business Sales and service at SCU, where she has proudly worked for the last 15 years. A love of music and the Arts, especially voice and dance, started at a young age – Michelle has performed in several musicals and was involved with many choirs and glee clubs over the years. For several seasons she was the co-chair of the dance portion of the Southeastern Manitoba Festival
Michelle and her husband Don raised their family in Steinbach, their children attended summer camps at SAC and were involved in many activities in the community. She believes that children learn so much from extracurricular activities – teamwork, discipline, and confidence. She also believes that the arts provide endless opportunities for expression, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Taylor Brandt
Taylor Brandt (Vice Chair), as part of the Steinbach Arts Council Board Members, help advance arts and culture in the community. With over 7 years of experience at Golden West, where she currently works as a Sales Executive, Taylor brings valuable marketing and business development expertise to the arts sector. Her professional journey includes experience as a Copywriter and a strong educational foundation from Red River College in Business Management and Marketing. Through her dual roles in media and arts leadership, Taylor actively contributes to the cultural fabric of Steinbach while leveraging her business acumen to strengthen the arts community’s growth and sustainability.
Patrick Friesen
Patrick Friesen (Director) serves as a consultant with Homefield People and Strategy, providing leadership development and strategic thinking and planning for organizations throughout Western Canada. Prior to joining the team at Homefield People and Strategy, Patrick served as an administrator and faculty member at Steinbach Bible College for over a decade. Patrick has spent his career as an educator and student, earning a Doctorate in Worship Studies and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership. He brings fresh ideas combined with consideration of strategic timing to the boards that he is involved with. He has served on a variety of boards over the years and is an avid supporter and creator in the arts community in Steinbach.
Leslie Paulet
Leslie Paulet (Secretary) has been a resident of Steinbach for the past 16 years. Prior to moving to Steinbach, Leslie enjoyed her career with Public Prosecutions as a trial co-ordinator with the Court of Queen’s Bench. Upon moving to Steinbach with her family, she chose to stay home and raise her two boys while working part time in the community. She continues to commits much of her time organizing a successful 20-year annual running event with her husband, that raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and specifically cancer research programs here in Manitoba. Now that her boys are grown, Leslie has embarked in a new endeavour as a working artist. As a relatively new artist, she is excited to be a board member with the Steinbach Arts Council and hopes to be a beneficial member of the local arts community.
Meghan Esau
Meghan Esau (Finance Chair), a native of South Eastern Manitoba with deep community roots, brings extensive experience in community development and business leadership to Steinbach, where she previously served as Membership Development Coordinator at the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Winnipeg, she built a strong foundation in retail management, where she developed a deep understanding of how local businesses navigate development and globalization challenges. Currently serving as a board member for both the Steinbach Arts Council, Meghan actively shapes the community’s cultural and social landscape. As a mother of two, a business leader, and dedicated community advocate, she continues to foster meaningful connections and drive local economic growth in Steinbach, which she proudly calls home.
Geoff Dilts
Geoff Dilts (Director) brings extensive board leadership experience to his role on the Steinbach Arts Council, drawing from his valuable tenure with both the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and Envision Community Living. Having made Steinbach his home since 2005 alongside his wife and two grown sons, Geoff’s commitment to community development is evident through his 20-year career with RBC followed by fourteen years in the Credit Union system. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Operations at Clearview Co-op, Geoff continues to demonstrate his dedication to community service through his position on the Envision Foundation board while embracing his new role in advancing arts and culture through the Steinbach Arts Council.
Kevin Froese
Kevin Froese brings his extensive expertise to his role as a Board Member of the Steinbach Arts Council. As the current Director of Finance at Steinbach Credit Union, Kevin leverages his strong background in corporate finance and accounting to support the Arts Council’s mission of fostering creativity and cultural growth in the community. His professional journey includes significant positions such as Director of Corporate Finance at HyLife and Financial Services Advisor at ONBusiness Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., experiences that enhance his ability to guide the Arts Council’s planning and growth efforts. Kevin’s commitment to both his professional role and community service exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives Steinbach’s vibrant arts and business sectors.