President. Nancy Urban is originally from Syracuse, NY. She has been involved in theatre as a performer and choreographer from age 10. Nancy attended Onondaga Community College (AA), Syracuse University and graduated from CW Post/Long Island University(BA & BFA). After spending time in NYC, she met her husband. She has lived in Darien for 20+ years. After working for Ace Hardware Corporation for a few years in Advertising, Nancy created and ran a Musical Theatre Workshop for young people as well as a Glee Club and Acting Class for 12 years at the Darien Park District. She also ran Musical Theatre, Acting and Glee Club camps for the Burr Ridge Park District.

She has been a Private Voice/Piano teacher as well as a Vocal Coach in the Darien Area for the last 16+ years. Nancy enjoys reading, growing vegetables and creating artwork for her Etsy shop.

Vice President. Kellie Kerfin is the vice president of the Darien Arts Council. She has resided in Darien for over 20 years with her husband and children (furry and two legged alike). Her love of the arts includes theater, music, dance, and literature. When she isn't terrorizing thrift shops looking for the next great costume or faking her way through sewing someone into their clothing she aides students in academics at the local middle school (often to the dismay of those that are put in her capable yet mathematically challenged hands).

Once eager for the spotlight, now you’ll find her behind a soundboard or or lurking in the shadows curtain shuffling people and props to their proper place. Don’t be put off by her smart aleck demeanor. Her love of the arts will keep her talking to you for hours and her enthusiasm for the arts is contagious.

Secretary. Casey Kippes is originally from Michigan where she attended Grand Valley State University and obtained a Bachelors of Music Education degree. After moving around quite a bit, she landed a position at a Naperville software development company and moved into the IT world - she's still with that same company more than 25 years later! Her family moved to Darien in 2003 and love it here. Casey is heavily involved with music at her church where she directs the adult choir, solos, plays the organ, and cantors. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, crafting, and (of course) making music - singing and playing the piano.

Treasurer. Laura Heinking was born and raised in Chicago and Glenview, Illinois. Attended Northern Illinois University, majored in both marketing and accounting. Moved to Darien about 25 years ago, and works currently in Oak Brook for an insurance broker. While not musically inclined personally, her daughter discovered musical theater in grade school with Nancy, and both have since helped with many classes and performances.

Board Member. James Brownold is and has been a Band Director and Choral Director in public and private schools for over 45 years. He is President of MUSIC ON THE MOVE, a company that provides Music Teachers and Band Directors to schools. James received degrees in Music and Music Education at DePaul University in Chicago. James has been a Director of Music at various Churches for over 40 years and has directed many Church Musical Dramas and Cantatas. He is also a Professional Percussionist and performed in many styles of music from classical to show bands.

Board Member. Marie Mack has been in school food service for 30 years as a Manager in District 25 in Arlington Heights. Marie has worked with Special Olympics, has also been in Musical Theatre in the Arlington Heights community. Marie has also supervised school summer lunch programs. She has been in various Church Choirs as a Soprano and has also done Musical Dramas in Churches. Marie has two sons and five grandchildren which keep her busy. Her most recent theatrical endeavor was in “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” with the Darien Arts Council.

Board Member. Kim Karavites is a Chicago native and resides in Bolingbrook, Il. and has lived in the area for 21 years. She attended Wilber Wright College and studied to be an English major with a minor in marketing. She works as a Police Records Specialist at the Illinois Tollway and has been employed there for over 15 years. She was a member of the Tollway’s event planning committee for several years and had a great time doing so! She also has a passion for music and the arts. She’s married and has 1 teenage daughter who has been involved with the Darien Arts Council productions over the last 5 years. She’s looking forward to being a new board member and working with the team!

Board Member. Originally from the Northwest Suburbs, Allyson has lived in Darien since 2019. She loves the arts of all kinds and enjoys introducing them to her young daughters. Previously only an observer, she recently got back into acting during a DAC production and looks forward to doing more! Allyson is a children's librarian and has worked in libraries for over 20 years. She loves to dance, sing, and create with kids in her job. In her free time, she likes to cook, eat, attend concerts, and read.