MVAAC Board of Directors
Tiffany Carr, President
Tiffany Carr, Ph.D. is an educator, author, speaker, and artist. She currently serves as President of MVAAC and has been on the council since 2018. Dr. Carr is passionate about developing meaningful and mobilizing community relationships through empowering programs. As a collaborative leader with extensive teaching and consulting experience for schools, non-profits, and ed. tech., she is committed to establishing inclusive and culturally responsive projects that encourage creativity and drive change.
Danielle Chargo, Vice President
Danielle Chargo is the owner of Iron Leaf Press, a letterpress stationery shop in Mount Vernon, and has served on MVAAC since 2013. She is also active in other volunteer opportunities, including the Cedar Rapids HOPEwalk. She likes to sew, paint, travel and garden in her spare time.
Marie DeVries, Treasurer
Serving her 9th year on the MVAAC board, is a retired urban planner/project manager now dedicated to local arts, culture and water quality.
Sara Gaarde
Sara Gaarde is a life-long Mount Vernon resident. She is a former editor and publisher of the Mount Vernon Sun, served on the Mount Vernon Board of Education and taught writing. She also ran a retail shop on Main Street for several years. Sara went to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and to graduate school at the University of Iowa. She is married to Richard Hileman, a retired attorney, and they have a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Julie Knoot
Former school nurse, Julie Knoot, is new to the MVAAC board and Mount Vernon. In her retirement, Julie is focusing on her business Hilltop Pottery. "I have always enjoyed art and honestly always wanted to be an art teacher."
Steve Maravetz
Steve Maravetz is retired from University of Iowa Health Care, where he was a marketing and communications executive. He served as president of the arts council 2013-2021.
Amelia Kibbie, Poet Laureate
For Amelia’s full bio, please visit the Poet Laureate page.
