Al Getler, Executive Director

Al Getler is a ventriloquist and comedian performing for audiences nationwide at resorts, festivals, fairs, and corporate events. As a nonprofit executive, he is Vice President of Community Heart & Soul, recognized for strengthening small towns. Previously, Al was an award-winning media executive publishing websites, magazines, and newspapers. He is a community leader in Vermont where he was named one of the top influencers in the state by VermontBIZ newspaper. Al recently retired as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He and his wife Nancy have three well above average adult children and three wicked smart grandkids. Al takes the reins of the ConVENTion after last serving as its chairman in 1995.

Jillian Getler, Registration Director

Jillian Getler is the Director of Registration for this year’s ConvVENTion. The daughter of a ventriloquist, Jillian—while not a ventriloquist herself—fell in love with the ConVENTion in 2025 and is excited to return in 2026 in a leadership role. A graduate of the Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont, she brings a strong background in logistics and operations management. Jillian previously served as the Logistics Coordinator for UVM’s student tour guides, where she regularly spoke to audiences of up to 1,000 visiting families about campus life. Known for juggling as many as three jobs at once, she now works with Loop & Tie, an online gifting company, and is focused on making registration simple, efficient, and stress-free so attendees can get the most out of their ConVENTion experience.

Burt Dubrow, Run of Show Director

Burt Dubrow is a pioneering television producer whose career has shaped modern daytime talk television for over five decades. Best known for launching The Sally Jessy Raphael Show and helping develop The Jerry Springer Show, Burt broke industry norms by championing bold voices and audience-driven programming. A multiple Emmy, CableACE, and Peabody Award winner, he has produced landmark shows for ABC, MTV, Nickelodeon, Discovery, and CNN/HLN. A lifelong fan of comedy and ventriloquism, Burt’s appreciation for the art form has remained a constant thread throughout his career. He currently serves as Senior Executive Producer of Daily Blast Live.

Brady McAtee, Technical Director

Brady McAtee is a career, Emmy nominated filmmaker and a lifelong fan of the art of ventriloquism. He is also the leader of a country music band under his stage name, Buddy Mac. Brady sings and yodels country standards from the golden age of country music, mixing in aspects of his ventriloquist act throughout the setlist. Brady is also an upcoming ventriloquist figure builder who has taken an affinity with the work of George and Glenn McElroy. He currently owns 2 McElroy replicas that he built using all the same mechanical methods that the brothers used during their career. With his performance career and over a decade of professional experience in the film and television industry, Brady has a keen eye for presentation and technical skills to match.

Ken Groves, Technical Mentor

Ken Groves performed professionally from 1984 till 2024. Name it Ken’s done it. TV 12 times, 8 Vegas Shows, 3 Atlantic City shows, 625 Cruise Ships, Trade shows, Colleges, Corporate Shows, opened for music stars, TV stars, those that thought they were stars. Ken co founded the Amish Country Theater where many vents have worked. Ken helped run the Vent convention for 25+ years and authored 3 books on Ventriloquism. Nobody cares.

David Crone, Videographer and Images, Tech Advisor

David Crone began practicing ventriloquism in the 5^th grade, before the conVENTion started. You do the math. His professional career has been equally divided between software engineer, IT management, and full-time ventriloquist. He has a life-long passion for photography and theater tech. He has been one of the 2 official photographers at VHC since 2006 and videographer since 2014. These days he is mostly retired, while working part time as one of the primary theater techs at a local community theater where he has won several awards for his sound and video designs

Peter Michaels, Jr., Music Director

Peter Michaels Jr. has been part of the Vent Haven family since a very young age (3 months old) and continues his love for the art of ventriloquism as well as the community to this day. He now offers his services supervising the music for the Vent Haven Convention. Although he’s now pursuing a professional music career, his lineage as the son of NYC ventriloquist Pete Michaels runs deep in his blood, and he strives to help preserve the legacy and joy of the ventriloquial arts.

Dan Horn, Talent Showcase Director

Stand-up Ventriloquist Dan Horn (IVS 2019 International Ventriloquist of the Year, APCA 1999 Best Novelty/Variety Act, WS Berger 1993 Ventriloquist of the Year) with his “Cast of Several” spent over 40 years as a professional entertainer.  He headlined at major venues in Las Vegas and America’s comedy clubs & colleges and made multiple appearances on national television including The Late Show with David Letterman. For 8 years he was a cast member/writer on Phoenix, Arizona’s history-making TV show, Wallace & Ladmo.  He has frequently received praise for his offbeat material, memorable characters and amazing skills that bring his puppet “cohorts” to life like no other ventriloquist/puppeteer.   

Tom Crowl, Digital Director

A professional entertainer since 1984, Tom built his reputation as a corporate comedy ventriloquist known for sharp wit and clean humor. He performed at corporate events across the United States, on cruises and at resorts along the Mexican Riviera before retiring from the stage in 2023. Today, Tom focuses on training the next generation of performers. He runs the iconic Maher Studios, home of the Maher Course of Ventriloquism – and continues sharing his expertise through Learn-Ventriloquism.com, helping keep the art vibrant through education, innovation, and community.

Jeffrey Goltz, Open Mic Director

Jeff Goltz is an entertainer and educator who specializes in stand up comedy ventriloquism. He started his career in puppetry working for Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio and the Melchior Marionettes. Jeff attended his first ConVENTion at the age of 10 and hasn’t missed a year since. Alongside Lynn Trefzger and Megan Hall, Jeff teaches Junior university where together they pass the torch to the next generation. This year Jeff will be acting as Director of the general night open. Jeff intends to keep the open mic open to everyone while maintaining the class and culture of this unique organization; assuring the 50th will be your time to shine!

Lew Newton, Hospitality Director

Like many ventriloquists of his generation, Lew started at the age of 11, inspired by Jimmy Nelson’s record, performing with Rowlf the Dog for churches, scout groups, and even local TV. When high school arrived, ventriloquism took a back seat for about 40 years. In 1983, he toured the country as a mime with magician Craig Sergent as The Soon-To-Be-Legendary Action Bros. In 2011, a new mind-reading routine rekindled his passion for ventriloquism. With an Axtell “World’s Oldest Man” puppet and Learn Ventriloquism lessons, he rediscovered his joy of the art.  Lew also owns an investment advisory practice and has been a Financial Planner for over 35 years.

Mary Ann Taylor, Dealers Room Manager

With a background in courtroom artwork and fashion illustration, Mary Ann Taylor brought her keen eye for detail and expression into the world of puppet making. She discovered the craft in 1985 and soon launched her business, MAT Puppets, turning a newfound passion into a lifelong vocation. Mary Ann quickly fell in love with creating puppets for both professionals and hobbyists, finding joy in every character she brings to life. What inspires her most is watching entertainers transform her creations into vibrant personalities on stage – delighting audiences, sparking laughter, and carrying on the magic of performance.

Melissa Taylor, Dealers Room Manager

Melissa Taylor grew up in the puppet studio and in the performing and visual arts, earning a BFA in visual arts from James Madison University.  She has been designing and building puppets professionally for over 20 years and is currently heading MAT Puppets.  Melissa enjoys working with ventriloquists at all phases of their careers, and her work can be seen on stages throughout the world.

Daniel Robison, Dealer Room and Sponsor Sales

Daniel Jay Robison, The Family Ventriloquist, has been practicing ventriloquism since the early age of 7 where he stumbled across a friends copy of Jimmy Nelson’s Instant Ventriloquism.  His first performance was in 3rd grade at a talent show where he took 3rd place against local rock bands, dancers and folk singers.  Daniel Jay’s 1st time attending the Vent Haven International Ventriloquist ConVENTion was back in 1980 where he realized he had a lot of work to do.  Now a regular at the ConVENTion, you can catch him most years at the group photo as UNCLE FESTER.

Dirk Golden, Dealer Room and Sponsor Sales

Dirk Golden is a self taught ventriloquist whose interest began at the age of eight, inspired by watching his cousin Larry perform with a Juro Jerry Mahoney figure. Dirk’s early fascination with ventriloquism was further shaped by the classic television program Winchell-Mahoney Time, a childhood favorite that deepened his passion. Since attending his first Vent Haven Convention in 2009, Dirk has become well known for his YouTube coverage of the annual gathering. Above all, he values the fellowship and friendships he shares with fellow vents, which continue to inspire and enrich his love of the art.

Samantha Newton, Accounting

Samantha is a business professional based in Louisville, Kentucky, with over eight years of experience in business management, accounting, and tax preparation. She works closely with clients at Newton & Daniels, supporting both personal and business financial operations with a strong attention to detail. While not a ventriloquist herself, Samantha has been part of the International Ventriloquist Convention community for more than a decade, attending alongside her father, Lew. She values the relationships, conversations, and welcoming spirit that make the convention unique.

Charlotte Newton, Accounting

Charlotte has been an Acccountant for over 50 years and has owned her own practice for 35 years speciallizing in small business accounting and individual tax preparation.

Mark & Jody Wade, Advisors

Mark and Jody Wade have been associated with the vent community for quite some time. Mark, a professional ventriloquist for 35 years, has traveled internationally performing and lecturing. He was the Executive Director of the Vent Haven ConVENTion as well as “Vent of the Year” in 1981. He is best known as “America’s Foremost Children’s Ventriloquist” and is the author of “Kidshow Ventriloquism”, the best selling book on the market on the subject.

Jody Wade is known for her excellent career as a clown for over 25 years, as well as the Registration Coordinator of the Vent Haven ConVENTion. Her expertise in comedy has taken her across the US and she kept the very important job of registration up to date and running smoothly.