Meet The Board: Kate McIlvain and Eric Krebs
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 Kate McIlvain and Eric Krebs.
Kate McIlvain, Director at Large
Kate McIlvain
Director at Large
Kate McIlvain joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in 2022 and brings nearly two decades of nonprofit experience to her role. She is the Senior Director of Operations at Chapter One and serves as Color Guard Director at Marian Catholic High School. Kate holds degrees in Dance and English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her volunteer work includes serving as an Affiliate Director for En-Rich-Ment and supporting organizations focused on women’s rights, environmental issues, animal rights, public media, and the marching arts.
Kate’s connection to the performing arts spans nearly 30 years, from her early days as a dedicated “band nerd” (color guard captain, tuba section leader, and band officer) to her professional career as a dancer and educator. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students can grow as performers and individuals, and she values the role the arts play in making those opportunities accessible to all. Serving on the Bluecoats board allows her to combine her nonprofit expertise, love of marching arts, and commitment to equity in a meaningful way. Outside of her work, she remains active as a performer and choreographer in theaters throughout the Chicago area.
Kate’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “Seeing the silent mylar flag feature at BONCC during the debut of Change is Everything sent me.”
Eric Krebs, Director at Large
Eric Krebs
Director at Large
Bluecoats Years Marched: 1994-1996
Eric A. Krebs joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in 2022 and serves as a Director at Large, contributing to both the executive and ethics committees. He is an attorney with Dunlap & Shipman, P.A. in Panama City, Florida, where his practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate, commercial, and intellectual property matters. Eric holds a Master of Music Performance from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he earned his law degree from Texas A&M School of Law. In addition to his professional work, he has demonstrated long-standing nonprofit leadership through his involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Panama City, where he has held multiple leadership roles and led community initiatives.
Eric’s connection to the Bluecoats dates back to 1993, and he marched snare drum from 1994 to 1996, later returning for the 2022 Alumni Corps. He remains actively engaged as a performer with the Bluecoats Alumni Ensemble, Legacy Arc, and as a percussionist with the Panama City Symphony, where he currently serves as Principal Percussionist. He also teaches as an adjunct professor of music at Gulf Coast State College, where he founded the school’s first percussion ensemble. Outside of his professional and musical commitments, Eric enjoys time with his wife Laurie and their two dogs, Molly and Tucker.
Eric's Favorite Bluecoats moment: “My favorite Bluecoats moments were playing snare in the 2022 Bluecoats Alumni Corps and being there in person to watch the 2024 Bluecoats win their second championship.”
