Our People
Our People make us stronger - and we meet and welcome each and every person right where they are.
Board of Directors
pam burns
Creative Director, Director
Pam Burns (she/her/hers) has been presenting music on a volunteer basis for over twenty years. She was a Founding member of two nonprofits, Freedom Road Productions and The Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival. She spent the majority of her career in the Healthcare industry (Medical Billing and Coding) teaching students and employees in trade schools, hospitals, private practices and a Welfare to Work grant-based nonprofit company. The True North Project is her response to the belief that education and exposure to the arts is vital to personal growth and happiness. It is a dream coming true as she follows her path in finding her own True North.
Elizabeth l.k. berman
Managing Director, Treasurer
Elizabeth L.K. Berman (she/her/hers), Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is passionate about making the world a better and more just place. In her 15-year career in arts administration, she helped small, mid-sized, and large nonprofit organizations craft their stories, manage their resources (human, financial, and capital), and build long-lasting relationships. She enjoys strategizing and dreaming as much as she enjoys rolling up her sleeves and getting the work done - both are crucial to any mission. She is inspired by the arts, nature, and her two children, and is grateful for her life path to date - she is eager to see what the future holds!
Amanda bendis, SHRM-CP
Vice President
Amanda Bendis is a Regional HR Director dedicated to creating thriving, inclusive workplaces that support growth and collaboration. Amanda graduated summa cum laude from UMGC with a bachelor's in Human Resource Management and a minor in Sociology and holds a SHRM Certification. A former art major at West Virginia Wesleyan College, she brings a lifelong love of the arts— from theater and music to museums and travel—believing in their power to inspire and connect people.
Zakia gilmore
Director
Zakia Gilmore is a multifaceted creative with over a decade of experience as a barber, tattoo artist, fashion designer, and social media marketer. Her passion for art began at age five, inspired by visual arts, poetry, and music. Zakia’s unique style and innovative approach blend artistic expression across diverse mediums, allowing her to connect with clients through her designs and digital presence. Driven by a deep love for self-expression and community, Zakia continues to push the boundaries of her craft and inspire others with her artistry.
Patrick Haskins
Secretary, Director
Patrick Haskins earned a BA degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a JD degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He engaged in the general practice of law for 15 years before becoming involved in financial advising for 23 years prior to retiring in 2019. He assisted individuals with addressing their needs and concerns in dealing with everyday issues and planning for their future life goals. He hopes to continue assisting people with achieving their aspirations and providing insight and guidance through life's challenges.
With many years of hospital nursing and community healthcare, Jill Ruroede has cared for diverse populations over the human lifespan. Prioritizing well -being and self awareness of health issues has always been part of her core values.
From teaching and guiding newly graduated nurses to educating the public at large on wellness, holistic practices to health, self-care, and special projects, she has always been dedicated to a holistic approach to healthcare on an emotional, physical, mental and spiritual level.
Jill comes to True North with her BSN from Regis College in Weston, Mass. Presently, her career path has led her into community nursing where she enjoys teaching wellness education in multicultural settings as well as expanding her role into wellness coaching.
Jill Ruroede
President
Ben Yust started his public accounting career in 2006 with Anderson, Davis & Associates, CPA. Ben received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Mount St. Mary’s University and is a Certified Public Accountant in Maryland. He also plans and performs audits, reviews and compilations of for-profit and non-profit organization financial statements, as well as providing tax and consulting services to businesses and individuals. Ben is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA).
Benjamin m. yust, CPA
Director
OUR PARTNERS
Ezra Berger (he/him/his) has been an artist/muralist around the Baltimore area, mostly in Havre de Grace and points north, for over 20 years. He graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). His art usually deals with local themes and, visually, his style is a combination of local ideas and history sometimes mixed with surrealism and a touch of whimsy.
In his projects, Ezra aims to inspire and educate locals and visitors, youth and elders, to our arts and entertainment district by telling our local histories in a visually interesting way.
Ezra Berger
Visual Art Lead, Renowned Mural Artist
Ron Heneghan (he/him/his) is a producer with Keystone Productions in Baltimore, MD. He has worked in film and commercial video production, produced nonprofit and educational theatre, administrated education programs and theatre departments, and created arts in health community programs. As an educator, he has taught for Loyola University (MD), Stevenson University, Northeastern University, Muhlenberg College, Carroll Community College, PCPA Theatrefest Conservatory, and the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Conservatory. As an actor, his work includes roles at Ford’s Theatre, Olney Theatre, Everyman, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Huntington Theatre, Merrimack Repertory, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and seven seasons with Chesapeake Shakespeare Comapny. He is father to Lily and Henry.
Ron Heneghan
Education Lead
OUR Advisors
Stephanie Corby, singer-songwriter (Massachusetts)
Jessica Crawford, Physical Therapist (Maryland)
Carmen Gilotte, graphic designer (Florida)
Robby Greenberg, presenter (North Carolina)
Jay Kohn, stage and production manager (Virginia)
Susan Moss, presenter (Florida)
Melissa Nein, LCPC (Maryland)
Sherry Panzer, house concert presenter (Maryland)
Patty Prasada-Rao, nonprofit management consultant (Maryland)
Tom Prasada-Rao*, singer-songwriter and educator
David Roth, singer-songwriter and educator (Massachusetts)
Katie Schutt, Occupational Therapist (Maryland)
Gerrad Alex Taylor, theater artist, director, and educator (D.C./Maryland)
Duke Thompson, musician and educator (Maryland)
Linnea Tober, art educator, artist, yoga instructor, and energy worker (Maryland)
Sloan Wainwright, singer-songwriter and educator (New York)
*deceased