Jackson County Rose Festival

Board of Directors

Stefanie Riggs, President – Third year as President of the Board of Directors. Committee chair for 2007 Christmas Wish List Craft Show and chair for 2007 Pagent Afterglow Reception. Has been active in the Rose Festival for 10 years and on the board for almost four years as president for the last 3. Past affiliations with; Friend of the Court Advisory Board, and Junior Achievement Grand Prix Marketing Committee. Is currently a member of Kiwanis and Business Professional Women's Club of Jackson and is the Director of Public Relations & Marketing for Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers.

Lisa Schweizer, Vice President – Third year on the Board of Directors and past Board Secretary. She is the Committee Chair for the Christmas Wish Craft Show. Lisa is Operations Manager for Jackson Magazine.

Deb Muhich, Secretary – Deb is a third year member of the board of directors. She is currently the marketing and sales director for Brown's Professional Services. A Registered Nurse, Deb is skilled in patient rehabilitation, critical care, home intravenous therapy, and office nursing. She has been recognized in the National Register of Who’s Who, December 1997, for “immeasurable contribution to profession and community.” She also has affiliations with; Rehabilitation Insurance Nurses Council, Past Board Member of the American Cancer Society acting as Chairman of the American Cancer Society 24-Hour Run in 1992 and 1993.

Sarah Miller, Treasurer – Second year on the Board of Directors. Sarah is employed by American 1 Federal Credit Union in Jackson.

Angie Trolz, Committee Chair for Public Relations & Media – Third year on Board of Directors. Angie works for National Child Safety Council where she is a graphic artist. Angie has worked on several Jackson community committees over the past several years.

Jim Francis - Fourth year on the Board of Directors and past treasurer. Jim is CEO of Jackson Community Federal Credit Union, a 16 year sponsor.

Chris LaRock Gorton, Executive Director of the Jackson County Rosequeen Scholarship Pageant - Chris was our 1982 Rosequeen, under the direction of Beverly Thallman. She has been associated with the Miss America Organization since 1980. As a contestant, she placed in the Top Five at Miss Michigan three consecutive years and was awarded the Preliminary Swimsuit Award. Her scholarships assisted with earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University and vocal study under Monte Long and Lori Woodruff Pelham. She has volunteered as contestant preparation coordinator for dozens of Rosequeen contestants including Victoria Fair Bork (Miss Michigan 1990) and Coni Lyn Hull Sullivan (Miss Michigan 1995). Chris is a television host and co-producer for JTV and entrepreneur as owner of Fancy Schmancy Events. Chris directed this year’s Variety Show and has graciously accepted this new position with enthusiasm and excitement.

Liz Niles, Director of the Jackson County Rose Parade & Party in the Park - Third year on Board of Directors. Liz is the Community Relations Manager for American 1 Federal Credit Union. She is responsible for events in Jackson such as the Spring and Fall Women's Expos, American 1 Teen Idol, Kids' Fest, and oversees other events the credit union hosts. She is also involved in her hometown of Grass Lake by helping organize events for the Grass Lake Sportsman's Club to educate youth about conservation and the preservation Michigan's natural resources.

Rahn Stokes – Second year on the board of directors. Rahn, a graduate of Spring Arbor University is owner, along with his wife KC, of 4ever Photos in Spring Arbor. He is retired from the Norfolk Southern Railway, and is the official photographer for the Jackson County Rose Festival and treasurer for The Jackson County Rosequeen Scholarship Pageant.

Elizabeth Schoch – Second year as a member of the Board of Directors. Elizabeth was a past contestant of the Jackson County Rose Queen Pageant, and with her scholarship she was able to earn a Bachelor’s of Science at Michigan State University. Liz is currently working for the WIC program where she is both a Nutritionist and leader for the WIC Breastfeeding Outreach Initiative. Liz has been active in the community in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program since 2003 and the Americorp program in 2007.

Kim Wrozek – First year on the board.

Margaret Myers – A member of the Board since 2006, Margaret is employed by Little Caesars Carryouts of Jackson which is a long-time candidate sponsor of the Rosequeen Scholarship Pageant.

Rhonda Hoyt – is serving her 2nd year on the Board, and is the owner of Champion Printing and Mailing. Rhonda and her husband Randy are active participants in the Jackson Community and support several cultural activities, including the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, and the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.

Julie Craft – Julie Craft,2008 & 2009 Committee chair for the Pageant Afterglow Reception – Fourth year on the Board of Directors. Julie is employed by SoutherCare Hospice in Jackson. You may have seen Julie at the last “Taste of Home Cooking Show” where she was the coordinator of that event for two years.

Windy Chmiel, Executive Director Miss Jackson County Outstanding Teen Pageant – Windy was our 1996 Miss Jackson County Rosequeen and has been actively involved with the Miss America Organization for the past 8 years. Windy is employed by Limited Brands Inc. as a Sales Team Leader. Windy attended JCC where she was a memeber of the Starfleet Ambassadors and where she studied music. Windy has been a guest perfomer at such venues as the Grand Ole' Opry, Nashville Palace and Disney World. Windy brings her love of the performing arts as well as her strong belief in the Miss America System to serve as our Executive Director of the Miss Jackson County Outstanding Teen Pageant.

If you are interested in being considered for the board please fill out the form below and submit it for review.

Jackson County Rose Festival