Meet the Board

Great Musicians / Great Venues / Great Causes

Bill Zorr

President

Bill had a gnawing to do something that could make a difference in his community. So, knowing that the best outcome is usually a result of following your passions, he started up a non-profit that seeks to support live music by contracting bands to play in local venues. Any additional funds raised via donations and sponsorships would be donated to local charities, or in a way that directly helps those in need.

Jeff Hicken

BOARD MEMBER

As a former member of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, Jeff favors the horn section in bands. His favorite artist is the Dave Matthews Band, but he enjoys many types of music. Additionally, because he’s also an engineer, you might find him reminiscing about his favorite spreadsheet.

Brian Hayman

BOARD MEMBER

“It all started with the cowboy songs my daddy used to play on his home built Heathkit stereo and the Beatles albums my sisters played when he wasn’t around. My lifelong love for music and my desire to help those most in need in our local community leads me to help make Music Make a Difference. It’s a departure from my Project Manager job at Promega Corp, and while I’m able to bring that experience to the Board, I’m also blessed to collaborate with this great group of people who are taking action on their music and community passions.”

Derrick Herndon & Nicole Sandler

BOARD MEMBERS

Nicole and Derrick both feel fortunate to be involved in a nonprofit organization that combines their love of live music and desire to give back to their beloved Madison community. While neither is a Madison native (Derrick from Florida and Nicole from New York), they’ve made this their home and embrace its wide-ranging live music opportunities. As members of the MMAD Board, they’ve found their fellow board members to be a wonderful group of people to work with, and they look forward to growing the organization in the years ahead.

Mary Lou Krase

BOARD MEMBER

After graduating from UW-Madison, I worked as an Artist in Residence and taught throughout the country in papermaking and printmaking. Working as a full time artist opened my eyes to the daily struggles that artists face.

I used my skills in arts administration and began a career with the Madison Children’s Museum managing volunteers and coordinated the Annual American Girl Doll Sale. My interests then took me to the Overture Center (Madison Civic Center) coordinating the volunteers and producing free community events including the Isthmus Jazz Festival, the International Festival, Children’s Arts Festival. Most recently, I worked several years managing student organizations with Tulane University and still work within our neighborhood in New Orleans with the PoBoy Festival and various other events. My husband and I share our time between New Orleans and Madison and I’m thrilled to serve on the MMAD board and look forward to all the great things this organization can do for our arts community.

Jennifer Hicken

BOARD MEMBER

I grew up in a musical family and have always understood the profound impact music can have on people’s lives. Music has the power to express emotions and connect individuals in ways that words alone often can’t. I joined Music Makes a Difference because I loved the idea of being part of a team that creates the events that they do. By supporting local venues, we can create spaces for artists to share their talents and for audiences to experience live performances! Additionally, by partnering with local charities it allows us to give back and make a positive impact on the community.

Kevin Schneider

BOARD MEMBER

I think my love for music began as a kid by listening to countless hours of the “oldies” radio station in the back seat of my parents’ van. I think I could still sing almost any song they played. As I grew up, my love for music grew as I enjoyed singing in choirs and playing guitar with friends. I started a kids rock band program in NYC at the middle school I taught at, and learned how to organize concerts at school events and places around the city. I really enjoy helping create memories of live music, and love the communal experience that concerts bring us.