Governance
Board of Directors
& Committees
The PFWA Board of Directors provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction to ensure the Academy fulfills its mission of empowering creatives through fashion education and mentorship.
Our volunteer board members bring diverse professional expertise — from education and finance to fashion and community development — ensuring PFWA remains accountable, sustainable, and impactful.
Board Leadership — Officers
Elected officers who lead PFWA's governance and operations.
Dr. Mae Gillilan Wright
Chair / Board President (Interim)
Term: 2025–2027
Educator and community leader with decades of experience in youth development and nonprofit governance. Serves to ensure PFWA uplifts the next generation of creatives.
Full Board Roster
Our board members bring a diverse range of skills and professional backgrounds.
Education
Finance
Legal
Marketing
Youth Development
Events
Arts
Dr. Mae Gillilan Wright
Officer — Board President (Interim)
She/Her
Educator and community leader with decades of experience in youth development and nonprofit governance.
Education / Community Development
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Executive
Governance & Nominating
Education
Youth Development
Governance
Brianne Johnson
Director
She/Her
Passionate advocate for fashion education and creative expression in the Midwest.
Fashion Industry
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Programs & Impact
Fashion
Events
Marketing
Kristi Smith
Director
She/Her
Experienced nonprofit professional dedicated to building community partnerships and donor relationships.
Nonprofit Sector
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Fundraising & Development
Finance
Fundraising
Community Relations
Emily Livingston
Director
She/Her
Marketing strategist with a passion for storytelling and brand development in the creative arts.
Marketing / Communications
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Marketing & Communications
Marketing
Communications
Arts
Amy Suprunowski
Director
She/Her
Finance professional committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility in nonprofit organizations.
Finance / Accounting
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Finance & Audit
Finance
Legal
Governance
Ezra Murry
Director
He/Him
Creative entrepreneur and designer behind OBA Athletics, bringing hands-on fashion industry experience to the board.
OBA Athletics / Fashion Design
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Events & Production
Programs & Impact
Fashion
Events
Youth Development
Kisha Woods
Director
She/Her
Community organizer and advocate focused on equitable access to arts education and creative opportunities.
Community Development
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Governance & Nominating
Education
Community Relations
Youth Development
Aaron C. Selburg
Director
He/Him
Entrepreneur and owner of The Modern Gentleman, bringing business acumen and a passion for men's fashion and grooming to the board.
The Modern Gentleman
Peoria, IL
Term: 2025–2027
Marketing & Communications
Events & Production
Fashion
Marketing
Events
Board Responsibilities
What our board does — a quick snapshot for the public.
1
Protect PFWA's mission and legal compliance
2
Provide financial oversight and approve budgets
3
Support fundraising and community partnerships
4
Hire and support the Executive Director
5
Evaluate organizational performance and impact
6
Uphold policies and ethical standards
"Governance is not about control — it's about stewardship, accountability, and serving the mission."
Committees Overview
Committees do the deep work and report back to the full board. Each committee focuses on a critical area of PFWA's operations, ensuring thorough oversight and informed decision-making.
Executive Committee
Supports urgent decisions between full board meetings and provides leadership coordination.
Chair: Dr. Mae Gillilan Wright
Monthly / As needed
Key Responsibilities
Set board agendas with ED/staff lead
Handle time-sensitive approvals within bylaws
Support board performance and priorities
Coordinate committee chairs
Join This Committee
Governance & Nominating Committee
Keeps the board healthy, compliant, and growing.
Chair: Open
Quarterly
Key Responsibilities
Recruit and onboard new board members
Maintain bylaws and governance policies
Lead annual board training and evaluations
Manage term limits and officer elections
Ensure conflict-of-interest forms are completed yearly
Join This Committee
Finance & Audit Committee
Oversees financial health and accountability.
Chair: Open
Monthly
Key Responsibilities
Review monthly financials and budget vs. actuals
Recommend annual budget for board approval
Support year-end financial reporting (and audit/review if applicable)
Strengthen internal controls and spending policies
Review major contracts and financial risk items
Join This Committee
Fundraising & Development Committee
Builds revenue through donors, sponsors, grants, and events.
Chair: Open
Monthly
Key Responsibilities
Lead fundraising plan and annual goals
Support sponsorship outreach and donor cultivation
Assist with grant strategy (support letters, relationships)
Oversee donor stewardship and recognition
Support major fundraising events (gala, campaigns)
Join This Committee
Programs & Impact Committee
Protects program quality and tracks outcomes.
Chair: Open
Quarterly
Key Responsibilities
Review program plans (classes, workshops, youth initiatives)
Set impact metrics (students served, certifications, placements)
Gather success stories and testimonials
Ensure programs align with mission and community needs
Support partnerships that strengthen learning pathways
Join This Committee
Marketing, Communications & Community Relations Committee
Builds visibility, trust, and community engagement.
Chair: Open
Monthly
Key Responsibilities
Support brand consistency and messaging
Promote events, classes, and success stories
Strengthen media relationships and PR
Support website updates for transparency pages
Grow email list and community outreach strategy
Join This Committee
Events & Production Committee (PFW-Focused)
Supports large events with strong planning and risk management.
Chair: Open
As needed / Event-driven
Key Responsibilities
Support show planning timelines and vendor coordination
Review guest experience, accessibility, and logistics
Ensure safety plans, insurance needs, and vendor requirements
Recruit volunteers and day-of staffing structure
Debrief and improve each event cycle
Join This Committee
Interested in Serving on a Committee?
We welcome community members who want to contribute their skills and expertise. Committee participation is a great way to support PFWA's mission without a full board commitment.
Background checks required if working with youth
Time commitment varies by committee (1–4 hours/month)
Meeting schedules set by each committee chair
Submit Interest Form
Or email us directly: thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
Transparency Commitment
PFWA is committed to transparency. Board policies, meeting minutes, and annual financial reports are available in our Transparency Center. We believe open governance builds trust and strengthens our community.
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026
Four Points by Sheraton
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
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