Committees and Committee Members (as of January 2026)
The CPOA needs many hands to help fulfill our mission and work. We welcome community participation. If you would like to be involved with one of our CPOA committees, please contact us at CPOArepresentative@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the Committee Chair.
Area Representatives
Area Representatives are the backbone of our organization. Connect with your area representative to learn more about how you can become involved. Their role is to help members meet each other and to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Area Representatives are also available to help you join the CPOA if you have not already!
Lead Area Representative, Holly Mak, organizes and coordinates the activities of the ten Area Representatives.
Area 01 - Arlene Hajinlian
Area 02 - Denise Minnigh
Area 03 - Besty Vance
Area 04 - Karen McNair
Area 05 - Johanna Sholder
Area 06 - Susan McKee
Area 07 - Linda Creech
Area 08 - Joan Mistrough
Area 09 - Maggie Lieber
Area 10 - Eric Nickeson
Area Map and Reps
Youth and Recreation
Youth and Recreation focuses on fun events for youth and families during the CHQ season and on supporting the importance of retaining for lake front access for recreation and relaxation. This committee communicates with the Boys and Girls Club and Children’s School as needed.
Committee Chair: Pat Mead
Committee: Alice Hood, Linda Cahn
Networking Groups
Networking Groups provide an opportunity for CPOA members to share information, collaborate, advocate, and work collectively with Institution leadership. Current networking groups include Property Owners Who Rent (POWR) and the Chautauqua Condo Alliance (CCA).
Committee Chair: Teresa Kammerman
Committee Members: Trish Beagle, Jim Benedict, Linda Turi
Programming
Programming reviews program proposals and coordinates all aspects of in-person and virtual informational events as requested by the CPOA Executive Committee or Board. This includes the Week 0 Dinner and CPOA Hall of Philosophy meetings.
Committee Chair: Betsy Vance
Committee: Mary Henderson, Alice Hood
Lake, Environment and Sustainability
Lake, Environment and Sustainability facilitate opportunities for communication and collaboration to improve and sustain the health of the lake, adopt sustainable practices and support climate change initiatives while maximizing property owners’ enjoyment of the natural environment. This committee has been improving outdoor lighting in Chautauqua since 2009, by focusing on affordability, sustainability, and Dark Sky compliance. They sponsor educational programs in collaboration with the Institution and other community groups.
Committee Chair: Tim Holland,
Committee: Eric Nickerson, John Luker, and other community members
Waterfront Committee
Waterfront Committee works to enhance the shared waterfront area, including all beaches and the land along the North and South Lake Drive between the road and the lake.
Committee Chair: Besty Vance
Committee Members: Lydia Strohl
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Building and Grounds is a recently resurrected committee to disseminate information that may help owners make decisions or further their understandings of the physical buildings and grounds within Chautauqua Institution. Please note it is not a traffic or safety commission.
Committee Chair: Johanna Sholder
Committee Members: Available (please contact cpoarepresentative@gmail.com if you are interested)
Advocacy
Advocacy serves as the key point of contact between the CPOA and the CHQ Administration. This committee communicates with CPOA members to hear their concerns and suggestions and works with the CHQ Administration to find solutions and build a strong relationship between CPOA members and the Institution.
Committee Chair: Mary Henderson
Committee: Executive Board and Area Representatives
Nominating
Nominating solicits and interviews members regarding their interest in serving on the CPOA Board and as a Class B Trustee. Self-nominations are welcome.
Committee Chair: Alice Hood
Committee: Holly Mak, Linda Turri, Joan Mistrough
Technology
Technology supports and maintains the CPOA’s information and communication technology, including the CPOA website, theCPOA.org
Committee Chair: MJ Johnston
Committee: Linda Cahn, Alice Hood
Communications, Marketing, and Branding
Communications, Marketing, and Branding publicizes CPOA events, initiatives, activities and provides information relevant to property owners, which includes newsletters and email throughout the year. This committee also maintains and monitors content on the CPOA website.
Committee Chair: MJ Johnston
Committee: Linda Cahn, Holly Mak
Interested in joining one of these committees?
Please email us at CPOArepresentative@gmail.com with your contact information and area of interest. Thank you!