Get to know Your Board Members
Meet Our Board
Carrie Godwin - President
& Communication / Marketing
Passion for bringing togetherness in Fountain Hill through the arts.
My background is BFA -GD Communications/ Adv/ Publishing. Photo Degree from the fun darkroom days.
Why I Took a Position on the Board:
I joined the board in January 2025. When I moved to Fountain Hills, I took a year to observe and see where I might best contribute to the local arts community. It became clear that the League needed support with organizational growth and expanding its community presence. My background includes working with organizations and businesses that are ready to take the next step in their development. As Fountain Hills continues to grow—particularly as a destination for the arts—it’s essential that the League grows alongside it to stay relevant and impactful.
Shirley Anderson - Vice President
Shirley Anderson took this position in August 2025, shortly after becoming a new league member.
After retiring from her nursing career at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, her goal was to enjoy a healthy retirement exploring a wide range of interests and being socially active. Taking an oil painting class in recent years inspired her to continue painting and to explore other mediums. After moving to Fountain Hills in 2023, she joined the art league to meet others with similar interests, improve her art skills, and to become involved in the community. As she steps into her role as Vice President of Fountain Hills Art League, she says, “My professional career and past volunteer efforts have taught me organizational skills as well as listening facilitating skills that I think make me qualified to serve as Vice President of the art league. I look forward to this opportunity.”
Sue Cherk - Treasurer
Sue recently took this position in July 2025, shortly after becoming a new league member.
With 30 years of corporate-level experience in merchandise planning and logistics for top retailers including Mervyn's, Gymboree, Macy's and Dillard's, I bring expertise in financial planning, inventory management and operational efficiency. My focus has been on driving profitability through strategic inventory investment and supply chain management over seasonal fashion cycles. In my leadership roles, I have been responsible for multi-million-dollar planning decisions, requiring careful budgeting, forecasting and cross-functional collaboration to meet both short- and long-term financial objectives. I look forward to applying this experience to support strong financial oversight and strategic decision-making as the Treasurer for FHAL.
My art experience has been much less short lived. To offset a career of financial figures and spreadsheets, 10 years ago, I decided to learn how to paper quill. I create vibrant nature-inspired designs by shaping and gluing strips of paper onto a canvas or paper backing. I am passionate about my craft and hope to introduce more people to the beauty of Quilled Art through local retail sales and workshops. I also consider myself a permanent 1st year oil painting student. I began to learn how to paint in studio from local Emerson Art teacher Pat Serie. Sadly, he passed on and I have not pursued painting any further. I joined FHAL to gain support and knowledge from its very talented members to continue to support my art adventures. I hope to introduce more people to the beauty of Quilled Art through Sue Cherk Art Originals.
Kim Roewert - Secretary
I joined FHAL 3 yrs ago, new to AZ, newly retired, & new to sharing my artwork. The league was so welcoming to me & made me feel that I did have something to offer the art world. Getting involved on the board is my way to give back to the league. I love being a part of the energy, the creativity & the robust dialogue we have around the board table. There is such a genuine desire to promote artists & the arts. I’m honored to be a part of it.
Pat Reich - Membership Director
I didn’t start painting until after I retired from 45 years as a critical care nurse. Art has opened my eyes, heart and soul to the beauty around us. Until you actually try to sketch or paint a landscape, a still life or a portrait you don’t really SEE it. The arts in all forms can fill the soul like few other things can.
Veronique Benoit - Director Artisan Tour / Marketing Assistant
Why I Have a Passion for Art:
Art, to me, is a form of meditation—a space where the mind quiets, and expression takes over. It tells stories without needing words, connects people across cultures and experiences, and sends out messages that resonate deeply. Art speaks to the soul. Through visual expression, we find not just beauty, but meaning. It has a powerful healing effect—both for the creator and the viewer. That emotional depth, that ability to touch hearts and spark thought, is why I’m passionate about art.
Why I Took a Position on the Board:
I chose to take a position on the board because I believe deeply in the importance of art and its impact on individuals and communities. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together—it’s not a luxury, but a necessity. I wanted to be in a position where I could help make a difference, support artists, and ensure that creative expression remains accessible and valued. Serving on the board allows me to advocate for the role of art in society and help create opportunities for it to thrive.
Amen.V
Our Amazing
Committee Chairs
Exhibiton Team
Pat Reich, Suzi Pace, Shirley Anderson, Rick Allen
Artisan Tour
Veronique Benoit, Lori Allison, Kim Roewert, Shirley Anderson, Sue Cherk
Artist of the Month & 50/50 - Suzi Pace
Historian - Rick Allen
Hospitality for Reception - Barbara Oehl
Summer Art Project - Rick Allen & Adi Reinhardt