Board of Directors 2006

Phyllis Boles
Phyllis brings to the Friends of the Alger Theater many skills including extensive experience in real estate. She’s been a resident of the east side of Detroit for many years and believes a restored Alger Theater will stabilize the immediate community and bolster both commercial and residential property values. As a member of the Alger’s Board of Directors Phyllis has involved herself in community outreach programs to enhance the image of the Alger organization.

Dennis Costello
Dennis has been affiliated with the Friends of the Alger Theater since the theater building was purchased in December 1986. He has held a number of positions in the organization and is currently serving as President of the “Friends”. Dennis has been employed as a Procurement / Contract Administrator with Macomb Community College for the past ten years and held business related positions in both the public and private sectors for the previous fifteen years. His interests lie in supporting both visual and performing arts and re-development of a community asset like the Alger for the cultural benefit of area residents and businesses alike.

Eric Dueweke
Eric was instrumental in the purchase of the Alger Theater on behalf of the “Friends” organization going back to December of 1986. He has a wealth of theater experience including work with the Attic Theater and Music Hall as Program Director. Eric also worked for some time with Detroit Renaissance in producing showcase gala events in downtown Detroit. Eric feels the Alger community is ripe for development and more than able to fill the void as an entertainment venue on the east side of Detroit.

John Dunstone
Although not a native Detroiter Mr. Dunstone was drawn to the city in part from his interest in Detroit’s unique history as fueled by its manufacturing might. He chose East English Village as his home after graduating from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. He also has earned a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Wayne State University. He is currently employed as a Project manager with Formsprag Clutch, Warner Electric, Inc.

Geoff Gowman
Mr. Gowman is the Founder and current Treasurer of the Friends of the Alger Theater. He was born and raised in Detroit when neighborhoods flourished and wholesome activities were plentiful. He worked twenty five plus years as a social worker in inner-city neighborhoods, witnessing the damaging effects of a marginal quality of life upon residents. Now retired, he wants to see his community thrive, with people of ALL ages experiencing the cultural enrichment of a restored Alger Theater.

Karlene Trump
Karlene initiated and organized a community outreach committee with the Alger Theater which plans and stages local events to raise money and increase community awareness and involvement. She has a long history in theater, her most recent an acting role with the Grosse Pointe Theater. Always looking for new challenges she exchanged her career in nursing for buying and rehabilitating older homes in the City of Detroit as well as recently opening a bakery and sandwich shop on East Warren Avenue.

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