Meet the Board

PAUL WIGLEY, CHAIRPERSON
Paul’s ties to Algona began back in 1983 when he was teaching Concert Choir, Mixed Chorus, private voice, and music theory at Algona High School. He has served on the Board of Trustees since its inception in 1997. Paul went on to teach at Lakeville North High School in Lakeville, MN. His subject areas were Chorale, AP music theory, Now and Then Singers (vocal jazz ensemble), and class guitar. The LNHS Chorale toured Spain, Austria, Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He is also director emeritus of the Minneapolis Commodores barbershop chorus, which qualified for the International contest in 2007 and 2009. He is currently the president of the Iowa chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters, which sponsors scholarship competitions for college aged students. Paul lives in Lakeville, MN with his wife Becky.
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WENDY PHILLIPS, VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Wendy was born and raised in Algona. A cousin to Barb Haggard and Eleanor Twogood, she was taught early a love for reading and music. Wendy has served on the Board of Trustees since 2001. She is also active in PEO and the PTA. Wendy lives in Sioux Falls, SD where she works in the Sioux Falls School District. She is working on her MA in Education. She loves to explore the arts with her husband, Dan. They have one son.
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KRISTIE BROWN, TREASURER
Kristie became the Board of Trustees Treasurer in 2005 when Russ Buchanan retired. After moving to Algona in 1982, she quickly became involved in community activities. Some favorites have included Algona Chamber Singers accompanist, First Lutheran Church organist and accompanist for high school music contests. She is Vice President and Trust Officer at Iowa State Bank in Algona. Kristie lives in Algona with her husband, Jerry.
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SCOTT BUCHANAN, SECRETARY
Scott knew Barb Haggard from an early age, first as his father’s long-time friend and then secretary and then as a popular local librarian and close family friend. Scott and Barb shared a love of music, especially classical guitar, and he welcomes the opportunity to honor her memory and gracious spirit by serving as one of the trustees of her legacy. Scott has served on the Board of Trustees since 2006. In addition to his role as Trustee, Scott is the secretary of the Sullivan Building Foundation. Scott and his wife, Sandy, have been actively involved in the Algona arts scene together since they met doing community theater back in 1977.
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ALISON VanOTTERLOO, TRUSTEE
Alison has strong ties to the Algona community and a deep appreciation for the role the arts play in enriching lives. She brings a passion for leadership and community engagement to her work on the Board of Trustees, where she is proud to support the organization’s mission and legacy. Alison has served as a trustee since 2024, contributing her professional experience and strategic perspective to help guide the organization forward.
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In her professional life, Alison serves as Division President for a property and casualty insurance organization focused on the healthcare sector. Her career has centered on growth, innovation, and building strong partnerships. Alison lives in Algona, IA, and values the opportunity to give back to the community she calls home. Alison is also the President of the Algona Community School Foundation, another significant organization bringing broader educational opportunities to students, graduates, staff, and faculty of the Algona Community School District.
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TARA BRANDT, LIASION