Pewabic Pottery today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees — Donna Satterfield, JJ Curis, and Peter Kurrie — along with its new slate of board officers for the coming term. Jordan Paterra was elected to a second three-year term as trustee. The organization also extended its deep gratitude to outgoing Board Chair David Fox, Outgoing Treasurer Brian Carnaghi, Board Member Rachel Lutz, and Immediate Past Chair Laura Trudeau for their years of dedicated service and leadership.
"Donna, JJ, and Peter each bring a unique blend of expertise and deep passion for Detroit's arts and culture community to Pewabic's Board of Trustees," said Jim Leija, executive director, Pewabic. "Their insight and energy will be invaluable as we look ahead to Pewabic's next chapter."
New Board Officers
Pewabic Pottery's Board of Trustees also elected the following officers at their September board meeting:
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Chair: Katy Dobrowitsky, Founding Partner, Rivenoak Law
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Vice Chair: Frank Edwards, Owner, Nylube Products Company
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Treasurer: William Kryska, Managing Partner, PrimeStaff Services, LLC
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Secretary: Lori James, Senior Principal, SmithGroup
New Trustees
Peter Kurrie spent 40 years in the investment industry and retired in June 2026 as President of Aileron LTD, an independent institutional investment consulting firm. He previously served as a managing director for Allegiant Asset Management and JP Morgan Asset Management. Kurrie currently serves as a volunteer board member of the Michigan State University Financial Advisory Board, among other volunteer efforts.
Donna Satterfield is an experienced executive with a strong track record of governance, fundraising, and community impact. She has had a long career at IBM, including multiple vice president roles, and previously served as Vice President of Community Impact at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, managing a $5M+ grant portfolio. Satterfield serves on the Board of Trustees for the Neighborhood Club of Grosse Pointe and has chaired major fundraising initiatives for organizations including the Children's Foundation of Michigan and Toys for Tots.
Pewabic Pottery extends its sincere thanks to its outgoing board leadership:
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Outgoing Board Chair David Fox, Vice President, Strategic Staffing Solutions
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Outgoing Board Treasurer Brian Carnaghi, Retired Senior Vice President, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
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Board Member Rachel Lutz, Owner, The Peacock Room
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Immediate Past Chair Laura Trudeau, Principal, Trudeau Consulting LLC
Fox and Trudeau provided steady leadership through a period of considerable transition at Pewabic, helping guide the organization through leadership changes and the appointment of a new executive director. Lutz brought valuable insight and experience in retail operations, while Carnaghi contributed significant financial expertise and thoughtful stewardship. Together, their service has helped position Pewabic strongly for its next chapter. Their contributions are part of a long tradition of board members, community members, and volunteers whose service and generosity have helped sustain and shape Pewabic across generations.
“David, Laura, Rachel, and Brian have given so much of their time and insight to Pewabic,” said incoming Board Chair Katy Dobrowitsky. “Their leadership helped steer the organization through key transitions while keeping us grounded in our mission and focused on long-term strength. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for the foundation they have helped build for the future."
