2024 Board of Trustees
The Franklinton Arts District (FAD) Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the organization. Board members are responsible for executing all aspects of the organization's events, arts programming/education, and other initiatives. FAD is a 501(c)(3) organization and the members of the Board of Trustees are not compensated for their contributions.
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Sophie Hess, President | Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus (Franklinton Resident)
Sophie Hess has been involved in the Franklinton Arts District for almost 10 years. She is an accomplished professional in the energy industry. As an engineer with Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus, where she oversees the delivery of innovative and effective solutions to clients in the oil and gas, nuclear, and energy sector. She is known for her ability to develop and implement successful programs that enhance safety and reliability. Sophie is an active member of the Franklinton community, where she resides with her family. She and her familiar were the recipient of the 2023 Michael B Coleman Award. |
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Blake Compton, Vice President | Compton Construction, LLC
Blake is the founder of Compton Construction a construction company who has worked on local Franklinton Projects like Glass Axis, Land Grant Brewing Co, Idea Foundry, Roosevelt and Taft’s to name a few. Blake has been involved in the Franklinton Arts community since 2013 shortly after a magical dragon boat race where he met Jim Sweeney and many others who have shaped the neighborhood to what it is today. He recently opened a pop-up art gallery (project unicorn pop up) and previously had a video game club known as Close Quarters. Blake is actively involved in the neighborhood helping revitalize and save some historic houses on Walnut Street. Blake previously supported Wild Goose Creative in moving down to Franklinton through a decade-long effort as the advisory board chair. Blake’s passion for joining the board is to help bring in a positive energy to connect all the stakeholders in the neighborhood and lift the area up through promoting the creative and working class and connecting their talents with the builders of the neighborhood. Emily Oilar, Treasurer | Wexner Center for the Arts
Strategic planning is a passion, collaboration is a way of life, and fiscal management is her unique contribution to the Franklinton Arts District. Emily’s joy in serving as a Board member comes from her commitment to improving non-profit management using her Public Administration background. Emily will lead the organization’s transition to new bookkeeping and fiscal reconciliation in the new year. Emily currently serves as a Project Manager at The Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts, collaborating across the institution to facilitate a broad range of administrative, programmatic, and strategic projects. As Operations Manager at Ohio State’s Urban Arts Space, she led the development, implementation, and evolution of collaborative arts projects that deepened learning, challenged perceptions, and increased access to the arts. Emily also serves on the Columbus Arts Festival Steering Committee and is a certified “Strategic Doing” workshop leader. Emily has a Master of Arts in public policy and management from Ohio State’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from DePauw University School of Music. |
Dean Monnin, Secretary | Jones Lang LaSalle
Dean Monnin is a project manager and regional market leader for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global real estate consulting firm. Dean’s passion for the arts was sparked while attending the University of Cincinnati College of Design Art Architecture & Planning (DAAP) and continued to grow while working as an interior designer in Washington, D.C. Eventually, his passion found a home 19 years ago when he moved to Columbus and discovered a vibrant arts community. He has previously been involved with FAD as a volunteer for Scrawl 15 & 16 and has supported other non-profit organizations through volunteering. When not at work or enjoying the city, you can find him rowing on the Scioto River with the Greater Columbus Rowing Association.
Dean Monnin is a project manager and regional market leader for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global real estate consulting firm. Dean’s passion for the arts was sparked while attending the University of Cincinnati College of Design Art Architecture & Planning (DAAP) and continued to grow while working as an interior designer in Washington, D.C. Eventually, his passion found a home 19 years ago when he moved to Columbus and discovered a vibrant arts community. He has previously been involved with FAD as a volunteer for Scrawl 15 & 16 and has supported other non-profit organizations through volunteering. When not at work or enjoying the city, you can find him rowing on the Scioto River with the Greater Columbus Rowing Association.
Board Members
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Tina Eisenbrandt, Franklinton Fridays Chair | Artist; Galls, LLC (Franklinton Resident)
Tina Eisenbrandt is a Franklinton community member and artist, with a passion in landscape photography but her adventurous nature leads to exploring different mediums. It is with this mindset that she hosts a podcast exploring photography history and its influence on our culture. Tina’s ultimate mission is to engage and encourage creative art within the youth urban community. |
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Erin Gibbons | Franklin County Board of Elections (Franklinton Resident)
Erin Gibbons is a fourth generation Franklinton resident with a passion for improving her community through art, volunteerism, and public service. Erin currently serves as the Executive Manager of the Franklin County Board of Elections and previously served as the Director of Community Engagement for Columbus City Council. Erin spends her free time walking her dog, Rosie, and volunteering for events, such as Urban Scrawl, Franklinton Litter League, and is a patron of the arts in Franklinton. |
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Michael Amerine | Heartland Bank
Mike Amerine has been active personally, professionally and creatively in the Franklinton neighborhood for the better part of the decade. As a commercial loan officer with Heartland Bank, he has helped support small business growth, the lifeblood of any vibrant community. To that end, Mike also serves as the president of the Franklinton Board of Trade. Mike first got to know the Franklinton area by DJing and providing music production support for the Franklinton Arts District's Scrawl. Since that time, he has been passionate about ensuring that the arts and artists remain a cornerstone and driving force in the neighborhood's development. Mary Sundermeier | Gravity
A creative thinker who loves seeking solutions using communication and marketing technology, Mary brings the perspective of the Gravity Brand to the FAD Board. With an enthusiasm for turning ideas into reality, Mary will guide the board on event planning and connecting the District with new residents in the area. |
