MEET OUR TEAM

  • Black and white photo of a man with glasses, a goatee, and a receding hairline wearing a button-up shirt with two chest pockets, standing in front of a wooden fence, smiling at the camera.

    Ben Shafer

    Executive Director/ Co-founder

    Ben has a passion for helping other artists achieve their goals in their life. As the Executive Director, Ben is in charge of leading the overall vision of the organization.

    ben@402artscollective.org
    (402) 944-1979‬
    Schedule a meeting

  • Black and white photo of a bearded man with glasses, smiling and looking at the camera.

    Steve Hydeen

    Education Program Director

    Steve provides oversight and direction to the 402 Acting Academy program. He has a passion for guiding actors and actresses on their journey on stage, screen, or in life.

    Steve@402artscollective.org
    (402) 542-5118

  • A smiling middle-aged woman with short gray hair and glasses leaning on a railing in an indoor space

    Christa Bartsch

    Administrative Assistant

    Christa is the friendly face you will find at the front desk of our 402 West location. She also assists with a variety of tasks to keep things running smoothly. Her desire is to help provide opportunities to enrich lives through the joy of the arts.

    christa@402artscollective.org
    (402) 235-4797

  • Black and white photo of a young woman with shoulder-length hair smiling at the camera, wearing a casual top and a sweater, indoors with a modern, airy background.

    JEN LANOHA

    Communication/Marketing Consultant

    Jen is our in-house marketing pro. She specializes in helping artists develop classes and group lessons that are engaging, educational, and helpful. She has a passion and special skills to help the community know about the amazing educational activities offered by the 402 Educational programs.

    jen@402artscollective.org

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long, wavy blonde hair, sitting on a stool with her hand resting under her chin, wearing a patterned blazer and black pants.

    CHLOE METTENBRINK

    Communication/Marketing Intern

    Chloe oversees the social media content and various digital artist resources for Artist Members. As a visual artist, she finds great joy in helping other artists succeed and discovering the joy of creativity.

    chloe@402artscollective.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling middle-aged man with short hair and a beard, wearing a suit and tie, against a plain backdrop.

    Jim Shaffer

    CO-FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN
    Jim@402artscollective.org

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling man with glasses, wearing a collared shirt.

    Niel Nielsen

    VICE CHAIRMAN
    Niel@402artscollective.org

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling man with a beard, wearing a collared shirt, against a dark background.

    JAMISION HORTON

    BOARD MEMBER
    jamison@402artscollective.org

  • A woman with long blonde hair smiling, wearing a checkered shirt, standing outdoors near a concrete wall and utility poles in the background.

    Brett Hicks

    BOARD MEMBER
    Internal Culture Committee Chair
    brett@402artscollective.org

  • Black and white portrait of a man with a beard, wearing a suit and tie, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Raj Lulla

    BOARD MEMBER

    raj@402artscollective.org

  • A smiling man with a shaved head, wearing a collared shirt.

    Dr. Robert D. Moore

    BOARD MEMBER
    bob@402artscollective.org

  • A black and white professional portrait of a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a suit, and a tie, smiling at the camera.

    Tom Teckmeyer

    BOARD MEMBER
    Financial Committee Chair
    tom.t@402artscollective.org

  • A man wearing sunglasses, a hat with an 'N' on it, and a long-sleeve shirt, standing on a boat near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

    Dan Moresette

    BOARD MEMBER
    Facilities Committee Chair
    dan@402artscollective.org