Deb Schaber joined the Armory Arts & Music Center in April 2026 as Executive Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in large-scale event production, nonprofit leadership, and revenue-generating partnerships. She leads the organization’s operations and the redevelopment of the historic Duluth Armory into a vibrant arts and community hub, anticipated to open in 2027. Prior to joining the Armory, Deb founded Schaber & Co., where she advised festivals, nonprofits, and corporate clients on event strategy, operations, and earned revenue models. Her work included partnerships with organizations such as Twin Cities Gus Macker, Viking Fest MN, the White Bear Area Food Shelf, and the Minnesota Festivals & Events Association. Deb previously served as Director of Entertainment at Canterbury Park, where she led venue programming and event operations, launched the Canterbury Park Summer Concert Series, and managed large-scale events, driving significant growth in attendance and ticket revenue. Earlier in her career, Deb was President & CEO of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, where she oversaw major civic events including the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Cinco de Mayo. She helped lead the creation of the 2018 Winter Carnival Ice Palace during Super Bowl LII. She also spent more than a decade producing Renaissance Festivals and large-scale events across multiple markets, building deep expertise in operations, partnerships, and community-centered programming. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Deb is proud to return to Duluth and is passionate about creating a welcoming, accessible space where arts, culture, and community come together.

Gabby is the Operations & Administrative Coordinator at the Armory Arts & Music Center. She brings a background in nonprofit operations, communications, and event management, with previous experience at sports organizations including USA Curling and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. She enjoys bringing people and ideas together and being part of projects that strengthen the community. Gabby is passionate about preserving Duluth’s historic buildings and ensuring they remain part of the city’s future. She is excited to be part of the effort to preserve and reimagine the Duluth Armory as a space for arts, music, and community, and looks forward to helping shape its next chapter.

Melissa has been with the Armory Arts and Music Center for about 2 years as Marketing and Design Support, community outreach, and building and managing our Music Resource Center Programming. She has been a professional artist and amateur musician for most of her life. She has a degree in Communication Art and Design but alongside art, she has worked for many years in the service industry, as an interior designer, and has volunteered with many local organizations. Melissa owns and helps operate the local art collective, Alt Creative. She has a passion for growing awareness through creating effective and engaging designs, creating fun music and art educational activities for the community and for planning community events. Managing the MRC and seeing the kids thrive is her favorite job of all.

Katey Lutz is the Engagement Coordinator for the Duluth Armory Arts & Music Center, bringing a background in nonprofit operational leadership and business management. She previously led the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra for four years as Executive Director, championing community access to orchestral music and supporting the organization’s artistic vision. Before entering the arts world professionally, she spent three years in business management. Her dedication to nonprofit work began during an undergraduate internship, where she discovered her passion for mission‑driven organizations. Katey is thrilled to support the mission of the Duluth Armory Arts & Music Center and help foster a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and community. As she continues making Duluth her home, she looks forward to exploring its natural beauty and vibrant arts and music community for years to come.