Meet The Board: Lisa Smith, John Lowe, Manuel Gamez
The Bluecoats “Meet the Board” series is a spotlight series featuring the members of the Bluecoats Board of Directors. In each profile, you’ll learn about their professional paths, community involvement, and the experiences that brought them to Bluecoats. Together, these stories highlight the care, perspective, and steady leadership that support Bluecoats on and off the field.
In this issue, we are proud to introduce Lisa Smith, John Lowe, and Manuel Gamez.
Lisa Smith, Bluecoats Director At Large
Lisa Smith
Director At Large
Lisa Smith joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in 2025. She brings expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, with a focus on healthcare quality improvement and implementation science, and currently serves in a Senior Quality Initiatives role at Akron Children’s Hospital. Her academic background includes an MPH, MS, and BS, along with CPPS and CPHQ certifications. Lisa has also served as President of Vocal Music Boosters and has supported organizations such as Healthcare Workers for Hunger and Idaho Shakes.
A longtime drum corps fan, Lisa feels a strong connection to the Bluecoats as her local corps and appreciates the organization’s deep roots in the Canton community. Serving on the board is an opportunity to give back to an activity she has followed for more than 30 years while learning the inner workings of an innovative organization shaping the future of drum corps. She especially enjoys diving into the operational details and collaborating with others who care deeply about the activity. Outside of her board service, Lisa is a proud mom to a teenager, and she enjoys travel, knitting, reading, and spending time exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Lisa’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “Encore run of Change is Everything - the pure joy and magic was palpable plus it was LOUD!”
John Lowe, Bluecoats Director At Large
John Lowe
Director At Large
John Lowe joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in January of 2023 after a long career in music education and hands-on service. He spent 20 years as a middle school and high school band director before retiring and turning his skills toward home building, remodeling, and general contracting work. In addition to his professional background, he has been deeply involved in volunteer leadership, serving on booster organizations and PTA boards for his children’s schools, including time as PTA president. His dedication to education and service was recognized with a lifetime PTA membership.
John’s connection to the Bluecoats began in 2005 when his son became a member, and he quickly became an active volunteer, earning Volunteer of the Year that same season. He has served on the Bluecoats staff since 2007 in a variety of roles, including tour cook, transportation manager, and production assistant, bringing practical experience and an insider’s perspective to the board. Serving on the board allows him to share the needs and insights of staff and volunteers while continuing to support the corps he has long cared for. Outside of drum corps, he enjoys traveling with his wife in their RV, having shifted from traditional camping and water sports to a more comfortable “glamping” style of adventure.
John’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “I must tell my favorite two moments AND show. The 2016 ballad of Great Gig in the Sky will stay with me forever! Along with that, the moment of the 2016 first dress rehearsal, in the opening when the corps came out from behind the prop, there was an energetic audible gasp of awe from those watching in the press box that created a feeling I will never lose. The 2019 show is one that I will always remember as being a cutting-edge show that ended up not being recognized as it could have. When people, young band enthusiasts, come running down from the stands to get high fives from the Bloo members exiting the field, it shows how impactful an emotion that show provided.”
Manuel Gamez, Bluecoats Director At Large
Manuel Gamez
Director At Large
Manuel Gamez joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in 2025 and brings a strong background in fine arts education and leadership. He currently serves as the Educational Support Manager for Conn Selmer, where he partners with educators and administrators to support student success. Previously, he served as Director of Fine Arts for Pflugerville ISD and held leadership roles in Mission CISD and at Del Valle High School. His volunteer experience includes serving as Past President of the Texas Fine Arts Administrators Association and supporting initiatives focused on educator development and access to arts education.
Manuel’s connection to the Bluecoats is deeply personal, as his son currently serves as the head Drum Major, giving his family a firsthand view of the organization’s impact. Serving on the board is both an honor and a responsibility for Manuel, and he sees it as a way to give back while supporting the Bluecoats’ long-term vision. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and supporting the performing arts. He is passionate about mentorship and leadership development and is rarely far from a rehearsal or performance.
Manuel’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “My favorite Bluecoats program is Change Is Everything. That production captures everything I admire about the organization: innovation, intentional risk-taking, emotional depth, and a powerful commitment to evolving the art form while staying grounded in excellence. It represents not just a memorable performance, but a philosophy that resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally.”
