Board of Directors
Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) Board of Directors are voted into three year terms each February at OTCA’s Annual Meeting and Member Mixer. Board members commit to participating in several ways including sitting on committees, volunteering at events and raising funds for future programming. Old Town is fortunate enough to have so many dedicated volunteers but these board members help create a vision and momentum to a better more vibrant Old Town.
Old Town Board members are nominated by the membership 10 days before the Annual Meeting which will always be held the first week of February every year. Participating on the board of directors is a huge commitment so we encourage all candidates to participate in Old Town volunteer opportunities through the four committees; Promotions, Organization, Design & Business Development.
The board meets at 7:15 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the OTCA office.
President
Beth Herendeen – Twiggies
Beth is the owner of Twiggies, an Old Town retail store, and has a long career as an event planner and florist. Her background and knowledge is an asset to the OTCA Board. She has had similar roles in the Dewitt community.
Treasurer
Daniel Rials – Lansing Chamber of Commerce
Lansing is Daniel’s hometown, and he has lived here multiple times throughout his life. He moved back permanently in 2018. His background includes being the General Manager of a co-working space in Auckland, New Zealand, running a truck rental branch in Jacksonville, FL, and running a sales consulting business for small businesses. He currently works as the Member Relations Manager for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Secretary
Samantha Benson, Gillespie Group
Sam works for the Gillespie Group. She brings a wide range of commitment to community organizations.
Executive at Large
Grace Braatz-Opper, Modern Woodman
Grace has been an Old Town Board Member since early 2020. Grace moved her office to Old Town in 2018. In 2017, Grace’s husband proposed in Old Town solidifying it as one of her favorite spots in Greater Lansing. She loves being a part of the revitalization of Old Town and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Directors
Lillian Werbin, Elderly Instruments
Lillian Werbin is President/Co-Owner of Elderly Instruments, a fretted and stringed musical instrument retailer in Lansing, Michigan. One of the founding businesses in Old Town. Lillian is passionate about using open dialogue and honest conversation to forge deeper connections throughout various musical communities. She has leadership in the music community and fostering inclusionary spaces.
Chad Jordan – Cravings Popcorn
Chad has been the successful owner of the very popular Cravings Popcorn Shop in Old Town for several years. He has been a force in helping Old Town grow and stabilize over the years.
Amanda Hadley – Full Circle Financial Planning
Amanda is a licensed Fiduciary Financial Advisor with Full Circle Financial Planning whose focus is holistic goals-based financial planning and investment strategy. She has been involved with the OTCA since 2022. Participating in community events and visiting the Fish Ladder with her husband and son are some of her favorite things about Old Town.