Tessa brings a unique blend of financial stewardship and artistic passion to the Board of Directors. Her lifelong love for the arts sparked at a young age when her grandmother, a volunteer usher at the State Theater, took her to see her very first show. 

Professionally, she serves as the Tax Performance System Auditor for the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development, leveraging over a decade of dedicated experience in public service and financial oversight. 

A deeply rooted member of the local arts community, Tessa has also worked as a professional choreographer and stage actress, performing in more than 100 productions across the Chippewa Valley. Theatre is truly a family affair for Tessa; she performs frequently alongside her husband, Dustin, and has shared the stage with her entire family, including her children, Alyssa, Mirabella, and Miles. 

Having previously served on the boards of both the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, Tessa is honored to combine her professional analytical skills with her family’s share passion to ensure the theatre’s long-term financial health and community impact. When she isn’t pouring over spreadsheets or rehearsing, Tessa is an avid reader who devours at least two books a week and loves to hop on a plane to travel whenever possible.