STaFF

Board of directors

Jennifer Jacquot-DeVries, Executive Director

Jennifer Jacquot-DeVries joined the staff of The Crossing Arts in July 2023, bringing an MFA in Creative Writing, 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and deep personal connections to the arts. Previously, Jennifer was the Development Director for a national voting rights organization and has worked locally with Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Crow Wing Food Co-op, and the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance. Program development, assessing needs and opportunities, and bringing creative ideas to fruition are skills that fuel her work with The Crossing Arts. Jennifer resides in the Brainerd area with her spouse, daughter, and two rescue dogs. When she’s not working, Jennifer is hiking, gardening, traveling, and enjoying the beautiful lakes, woods, galleries, museums, and art studios of Minnesota and beyond.

Heather Friemann, Youth Education Manager

heather@crossingarts.org

Amber Maki, Program Manager

amber@crossingarts.org

Amber Maki joined The Crossing Arts Alliance in 2025, bringing a strong blend of creative skill and community‑focused energy. A Twin Cities native and a 2010 MCAD graduate with a BFA in Animation, her background spans 2D animation, illustration, drawing, and multiple painting mediums. She now applies these experiences to supporting artists, coordinating programs, and enhancing the gallery and gift shop of The Crossing Arts. Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending time gardening, painting, reading, and exploring the woods and lakes that define the region.

Alexa Bills, Finance Manager

alexa@crossingarts.org

Alexa joined The Crossing Arts in the finance department in 2026. She has over a decade of accounting experience and is excited to use those skills for an art-centered organization. Alexa moved to Brainerd from Des Moines, Iowa, with her daughter in 2024, but is no stranger to Minnesota as she graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, in 2009 and happy to be back up North! When she isn't crunching numbers and looking at spreadsheets, she is kept busy with her pets; two cats, a dog and an aquarium. She also enjoys tinkering in her garden, tending to her collection of houseplants and spending time with family and friends - especially at the lake.

Hayden Freed, Marketing Intern

hayden@crossingarts.org

Hayden joined The Crossing Arts in 2026 as our marketing intern. She is a current sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville where she majors in Marketing at Haslam College of Business. She is a 2025 graduate of Brainerd High School and has grown up in the Brainerd Lakes Area her whole life. Her love for marketing runs deep and being at The Crossing Arts has given her so many learning opportunities with art and nonprofit work. Outside of work, Hayden enjoys spending time outdoors, whether she's going for walks or spending a day on the water. She also enjoys exploring farmers markets and thrift stores. As well as crafting, creating art, attending sporting events—especially college football—and spending quality time with her close friends and family.