Previous Meetings
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 Eric Olmscheid has served as Executive Director of Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University since June 2022. A dedicated advocate for the performing arts, Eric is passionate about fostering meaningful connections among the arts, the community, and the MSU campus. Under his leadership, Wharton Center has broadened its impact through innovative programming, transformative educational initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.
With over 20 years of experience in performing arts management, Eric is widely recognized as a thought leader in the field. His achievements include receiving the Broadway League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education and being named to the Des Moines Business Record’s “Forty Under 40.” He actively contributes to the national arts landscape through his work on committees with The Broadway League and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals. Additionally, Eric serves on the boards of the Midwest Arts Xpo, Choose Lansing CVB, and the MSUFCU Reseda Group. Notably, he is one of only two Tony Awards® voters in Michigan.
Eric grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in arts management. In his free time, he often explores the community with his partner, Adam, and their two doodles, Rue Hammerstein and Beo Sounheim.
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Friday, April 17, 2026
"Drone Warfare"
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 Sean completed undergraduate degrees in international studies and history from Michigan State University. He returned for a graduate degree in law enforcement intelligence as well as certificates in homeland security studies and terrorism. Since 2008 he has worked as a civilian analyst for the Michigan State Police.
Sean was the first leader of the Capitol Area Civilian Emergency Response Team and has delivered numerous training courses on emergency preparedness and terrorism. For the past 12 years he has helped to manage the annual Connections Wargaming Conference sponsored by the graduate schools of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Sean is currently the Second Vice-President of the Lansing Torch Club. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Haslett.
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Friday, April 10, 2026
"Lansing's Impact: Turning Grief into Connection"
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 Lisa Nielsen recently joined Ele’s Place Capital Region as Branch Director. A seasoned nonprofit leader with a Master of Public Health, Lisa brings over a decade of experience creating patient- and family-centered programs. She previously served as Executive Director of Elara Caring Hospice Foundation and has held roles with the American Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation.Known for her warm and welcoming approach, strong communication, and effective board leadership, Lisa excels at aligning best practices with organizational values. She has a long history of volunteering and currently serves on the board of CoAfrica, while remaining actively involved in her church and local community.
When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys family time, caring for her two dogs, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed. Her expertise spans operations, strategic collaboration, and inclusive program design, always with a focus on dignity, hope, and meaningful impact for those she serves.
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Shelbi Frayer currently serves as the CEO at Holy Cross Services/New Hope Community Center, as well as The Nest Lansing, a new homeless shelter she recently founded. Shelbi is an accomplished public sector executive and financial strategist known for stabilizing organizations, leading large cross-functional teams, and delivering transformative fiscal solutions. She has more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning municipal government, education systems, state agencies, and private consulting.
meals at the Mission in 1999. Three years later, he was invited to join the Mission’s Board of Directors. An unexpected career change led him to desire to serve in full time ministry. On July 28, 2003, he became the Associate Director of the City Rescue Mission, and in just over a year, he began to serve as the Executive Director.|
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