Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame

'Promoting fellowship and friendship among all musicians of the Wabash Valley'

Meet The Board of Directors and Staff

The Hall of Fame is governed by a Board of Directors.  All board members must be a Hall of Fame inductee.

Board members serve for free.  They donate time and money to the Hall of Fame.  They work 12 hour days to put on events like the induction ceremony and the Picnic & Jam, loan their equipment for the events, and pay for their admission tickets just like everyone else.  It’s hard work for no personal gain, but the Board feels rewarded and honored to be able to recognize the many great musicians who have shared their time and talents with the Wabash Valley.

The current Board members are listed below.

Kevin Beel (Class of 2017)

Kevin joined the Board in October 2020.

John Beeson (Class of 2007)

John is the only remaining original member of the Board.  He served as Board Vice-Chair from 2008 to 2016.

Victoria Birchfield (Class of 2010)

Victoria joined the Board in July 2016.

Jay Carpenter (Class of 2021)

Jay joined the Board in November 2024.

Kenny Copper (Class of 2019)

Kenny joined the Board in June 2023.

Rob Hawkins (Class of 2021)

Rob joined the Board in August 2022. 

Andrew Hayes (Class of 2009)

Andrew joined the Board in May 2009.  He has served as the Board Chair since 2010.

Robert (Rob) Lane (Class of 2006)

Rob joined the Board in August 2008.  He served as Board Secretary from 2009 to 2016, and has served as one of the two Board Vice-Chairs since 2020, Historian since 2018, and Web Master since 2008.

"Doc" Long (Class of 2002)

Doc joined the Board in September 2020.

Dave Peterson (Class of 2019)

Dave joined the Board in June 2023.

Jim Rasley (Class of 2012)

Jim joined the Board in September 2020.

Patti Reed (Class of 2024)

Patti joined the Board in November 2024.

Paul Scott (Class of 2008)

Paul joined the Board in March 2014.  He has served as one of the two Board Vice-Chairs since 2018.

Mark Wright (Class of 2014)

Mark joined the Board in March 2024.  He has served as the Board Secretary since 2016.

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Bill Akers and Alva Grindle presided over the Hall from 1994 to 2005.  After Bill died in 2005, Alva formed the first Board of Directors.  Since then, many of our members have donated their time and talents by serving on the Board.  We would like to express our thanks to each of them. 

Unfortunately, few records were kept in the early days, and no lists have been found of the early Board.  However, the former Board members that we know about are listed below.

If you know of someone who should be included in this list, please let us know.

Brad Anderson Class of 2009.  Served on the Board from 2009 to 2022, and continues to serve as an advisor.

Jim Cheek Class of 2009.  Served on the Board from 2009 to 2020.

Will Cox Class of 2007.  Served on the Board from 2008 to 2016.  Served as a Vice-Chair during his tenure.  Passed away in 2016.

Frank Crawford Class of 1999.  Served on the Board from 2007 to 2009.  Passed away in 2009.

Dave Frisse Class of 2018.  Served on the Board from 2021 to 2022.

Alva Grindle Co-founder of the Hall of Fame.  Was the first Chairman of the Board, serving from 2005 to 2007.  Passed away in 2007.

Terry Haughee Class of 2002.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2009.  Passed away in 2009.

Susan Pell Class of 2017.  Served on the Board from 2022 to 2023.

Tracy Richardson Class of 2016.  Served on the Board from 2016 to 2020.

Jesse Richey Class of 2002.  Served on the Board from 2012 to 2020.

Archie Smith Class of 2007.  Served on the Board from 2009 to 2012.

Tom Smith Class of 2006.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2009.

Mike Spice Class of 2008.  Served on the Board from 2009 to 2024.  Served as Treasurer from 2010 to 2024.

Tom Stiffey Class of 1996.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2009.  Served as a Vice-Chair during his tenure.  Passed away in 2014.

Larry Velez Class of 2010.  Served on the Board from 2010 to 2020.

Rick Waggoner Class of 2006.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2022, and continues to serve as an advisor.  Served as Chair and Treasurer during his tenure.

Stacie K. Wagle Class of 1998.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2009.

Terry Wenzel Class of 2002.  Served on the Board from 2006 to 2009.  Served as Secretary during this tenure.  Returned to the Board in 2014 and served until 2016.

Mike White Class of 2011.  Served on the Board from 2018 to 2024.

Randy Winkler Class of 2006.  Served on the Board from 2008 to 2020.  Served as Vice-Chair for a part of his tenure.

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The Hall of Fame is fortunate to have a few individuals who graciously donate their time and talent on a regular basis on behalf of the Hall.  The Hall is grateful for their efforts on our behalf:

Party Marty has been associated with the Hall of Fame nearly from the beginning.  He is a co-host of the annual induction ceremonies and has been a tireless promoter of the Hall and its activities.  Party Marty was awarded the Akers-Grindle award at the 2010 induction ceremony in recognition of his service to the Hall.

Deb Hadley is the Hall of Fame Photographer and Assistant Historian.   Many of the induction ceremony and picnic pictures on this site are the result of her hard work, and more of her work will be appearing on this site in the future.

Jim Craft is the Hall of Fame Chaplin.