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
Amber Maki, Program Manager
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 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 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 lake. 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.
Sara Vacinek - President
boardpresident@crossingarts.org
Sara Vacinek joined the TCAA Board of Directors in 2023 and accepted to role of President in 2025. Professionally, Sara’s background includes proposal management, advertising, public relations, proofreading, admin, and customer service. Amazing art programs in high school and early college influenced Sara significantly throughout her life. Being part of the board allows her to blend those personal and professional experiences and keep The Crossing moving forward on its mission for our community. Sara is married to a Brainerd native and has lived here for the last 25 years. They have two incredible teenagers and one sassy golden retriever.
Suzanne Ressemann - Vice President
Bringing a lifelong passion for the arts and experience in communications, Suzanne Ressemann dedicated 15 years to public school marketing and six years to running a commercial photography business in Minneapolis. Armed with a degree in Graphic Communications and studies in Fine Arts, her mission is keeping vibrant spaces like The Crossing Arts accessible to local youth and the entire community. Now focusing on fine art photography in the Brainerd Lakes area, Suzanne lives on Gull Lake with her husband and their two golden retrievers. When she’s not serving on the board, she is spending time with her two sons, working in her vegetable garden, or connecting with friends and holding firm to her core belief: ice cream should always be eaten with a fork!
Jennifer Fryer - Treasurer
Jennifer Fryer is a student, artist, and dedicated community member with a lifelong appreciation for the arts and their ability to bring people together. Growing up with a love for creative expression, she has always been drawn to the ways art inspires connection, storytelling, and personal growth. Throughout her life, she has enjoyed exploring a variety of artistic pursuits while supporting local arts initiatives and community events.
Jennifer believes that the arts play a vital role in creating vibrant, inclusive communities. She is passionate about encouraging creativity, supporting local artists, and helping ensure that the arts remain accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Through her involvement with The Crossing Arts Alliance, she hopes to contribute to a thriving arts community that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Jerowen Paine - Secretary
Molly Mae Krautkremer - Board Member
Mark Smith - Board Member
Interested in joining the Board?
Still interested? Please fill out this form to apply!