Our Team
Elizabeth McEwen
Director
Restoration, Preservation, Tours, Public Events 616.335.8982
director@feltmansion.org
Elizabeth McEwen is the Director of Friends of the Felt Estate and oversees the operations of the estate as well as the ongoing restoration, tours, and public events. Taking the proverbial “baton” from founding director, Patty Myer, who led the restoration effort from 2001-2023. Elizabeth was brought in to lead the next chapter of the Friends of the Felt Estate, leaning into our community-facing programming in this beautiful and historical space for the community can enjoy.
Elizabeth was born and raised in West Michigan and has more than two decades of nonprofit experience in a variety of sub-sectors and varying capacities. Creative, community-focused solutions are her specialty.
Elizabeth is a mother of a blended family with six children, four dogs, and three cats.
Kelsey Blair
Operations Manager
Tours, Public/Private Events
616-335-8982
operations@feltmansion.org
Kelsey joined the team in March 2024 as Operations Manager, handling the day-to-day tasks of running the estate. With educational and professional experience in various museum and historical settings, she brings her passion for history and education to this role. A native of Saugatuck, MI she is an area expert and holds great appreciation for West Michigan. In her free time, Kelsey enjoy anything on the water, yoga, cooking and taking care of her pup Colby Jack.
Derrick Bassett-Alee
Rental Manager
Weddings & Private Event Rentals
616.335.8982
616.218.0078 (cell)
events@feltmansion.org
Derrick is a rental manager for the estate and oversees all weddings and private event rentals. He brings a breadth of knowledge to his role at the estate with his experience in food and beverage management as well as theatre production and performance. Derrick is also an event manager and event lighting designer for Holden Michael Events.
When there’s a break in the summer, Derrick enjoys heading to Lake Michigan or a local Pride event and traveling with his husband in the off-season. Someday you might see him flying across stage in a local production of Tarzan, a role he’s always wanted to play.
Holden Bassett-Alee
Rental Manager
Weddings & Private Event Rentals
616.335.8982
616.218.0078 (cell)
events@feltmansion.org
Holden is a rental manager for the estate and oversees all weddings and private event rentals. Holden worked for twelve years as an event planner and designer and worked many times at the estate before being brought in as rental manager. Holden also owns Holden Michael Events, an event planning company specializing in events at private properties and non-traditional venues.
When he’s not at the estate or working with a couple to plan their wedding, you may find Holden down at Phil’s Bar and Grill enjoying a gin martini and a good book or shopping in downtown Chicago before heading to a Lady Gaga concert or Lyric Opera.