Old Town School of Folk Music (Old Town School), a Chicago community arts and education non-profit and nationally recognized as the premier community music school in the country, announces Troy Anderson as its Senior Director of Education. Assuming his new role effective July 10, 2023, Anderson will serve as a key strategist for Old Town School’s education department. Anderson will be responsible for driving tuition-based revenue growth at the institution and overseeing Old Town School’s relationship with Chicago Public Schools and key community partners for Community Ventures programming.

With 22 year history of serving community music schools in the Chicagoland area, Anderson is a well-respected and experienced leader with a passion for music that is focused on providing access and engaging opportunities to people of all ages and abilities.

“I am honored to serve as the Senior Director of Education for Old Town School of Folk Music,” Troy said. “My love for American and cultural music, belief in what is possible through engagement, and passion for community align with Old Town’s mission, vision, and values in a way that resonates deeply with me. I am thrilled to serve our community through our impactful programs and look forward to working with our amazing team to advance our mission and promote lifelong engagement with music.” 

Formerly serving as the Executive Director of Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME), Anderson led the organization to experience consistent growth over the past several years as the annual budget grew by nearly 30%, participation in K-12 programs increased by 90%, and earned income and restricted giving increased by 41%. Under his leadership, ChiME implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion framework including a DEI position statement, and training and development activities. Anderson strived to increase the diversity of content within the curriculum while also strengthening the ability to successfully deliver anti-biased instruction. To address a gap in music education, Anderson oversaw the development of a formalized curriculum, resulting in two different models, one for typically functioning children and the other for children with disabilities.

Troy brings expertise that will help advance our mission and expand our education department,” said Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Jim Newcomb. “His passion for arts education, his extensive professional experience, and his knowledge of Old Town’s education and community programs made Troy the best choice for this role. We look forward to our education and community programs growing and reaching far more people under Troy’s tenure. Thank you, KEES, for a successful search.”

Prior to his tenure at ChiME, Anderson served in leadership roles at two other Chicago area community music schools: Merit School of Music as Dean of Programs from 2007-2011 and David Adler Center for Music and the Arts as Program Director from 2001-2007.

A jazz trombone player, Anderson received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and Master of Music degree from DePaul University.  Anderson has also served as Chair of the Western Great Lakes Chapter and the Members Council of the National Guild of Community Arts Education. In 2012 and 2013, he served on the faculty of the Community Arts Education Leadership Institute and as co-convener of the Chicago Consortium of Community Music Schools.

Old Town School of Folk Music’s Executive Director, Jim Newcomb, retained KEES, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented pool of qualified leaders. 

“Congratulations to the entire Old Town School of Folk Music community on this candidate placement announcement,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “Troy will undoubtedly bring new ideas and vision for the future, building on the school’s core strengths and offering Old Town School a fresh and enthusiastic perspective.”

ABOUT KEES 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT OLD TOWN SCHOOL

Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music is the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, and arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one’s interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited weekly class offerings, private lessons, and over 400 concerts and community events per year both in-person and online.

The Old Town School opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded in 2012. The Old Town School operates three campuses located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park and South Loop neighborhoods that include world-class concert halls, classrooms, an award-winning music store, a café and resource center. Children’s classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations. More information about classes, upcoming events and history is available at www.oldtownschool.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC MEDIA CONTACT:

Dave Zibell, dzibell@oldtownschool.org

College of DuPage (COD), the largest community college in Illinois and the second-largest provider of undergraduate education in the State, has selected accomplished human resources executive William “Bill” Dial Ph.D., PHR, SHRM-CP as its next Vice President for Human Resources. Reporting to COD’s President, Dr. Brian W. Caputo, Dial will serve on the President’s Cabinet and is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the College. Dial will build relationships with leaders and managers to facilitate the integration of human resources best practices across COD. His appointment takes effect on June 26, 2023.

Read the full College of DuPage press release here.

Dial most recently served as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at the College of Southern Nevada. He has also previously served in HR leadership roles at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, MO, Richland College in Dallas, TX, and Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, CO.

College of DuPage retained KEES, a national executive search firm, as its executive search partner earlier in 2023. A comprehensive, national search was launched, and Dial was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were  Search Committee Chair Wendy Parks (Vice President for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at College of DuPage) and Search Committee members from College of DuPage: Brian Kleemann (Senior Writer), Nathania Montes (Dean of Student Affairs), Kent Munsterman (Police Lieutenant), Michelle Olson Rzeminski (Senior Manager of HR Operations), Ellen Roberts(Vice President of Administrative Affairs), Jill Salas (Assistant Professor of English), Wendy Thorup-Pavlick (Student Success Counselor), and Joe Tungol (Associate Professor of Business).

“Bill is a powerful addition to COD’s already strong human resources team,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “He brings a rich career history in HR leadership in the higher education sector, with specific experience at multiple community colleges. Bill’s expertise will serve the entire College of DuPage community well. Congratulations to all!” 

KEES supported this hire through our Executive Search service and was delighted to be selected as College of DuPage’s partner of choice.

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

Since its inception in 1967, College of DuPage (COD) has evolved into one of the nation’s finest community colleges, fulfilling its mission as an educational and economic agent of change for its students and the community it serves. COD is the largest publicly funded community college and the second-largest provider of undergraduate studies in Illinois. Serving more than 22,000 students annually, the College is in a community that supports its mission and continually strives to keep pace with the needs and demands of an ever-changing world. From the elected Board of Trustees to the faculty and college leadership and staff, COD understands the importance of maintaining relevance on all levels: interpersonal, academic, civic, cultural, and economic. COD’s leadership and educators believe there are few things more powerful than a mind engaged. To learn more about College of DuPage, please visit www.cod.edu. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE MEDIA CONTACT:

Brian Kleemann, kleeman@cod.edu

Ivet Rosiles, a Joliet Junior College student, has been selected as the summer 2023 marketing and communications intern for KEES, a nonprofit and public sector executive search firm. Ivet will be working alongside the KEES team, supporting several marketing initiatives, and assisting in forming innovative marketing strategies while also coordinating the planning of the 10th anniversary celebration. 

“We are ecstatic to have Ivet join our team this summer,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “Her background and motivation for marketing will be a great asset as we expand our presence on social media and begin planning for our 10^th Year serving clients. We are confident that Ivet will make significant contributions to our efforts, and we look forward to seeing her creativity and insights in action.” 

As a student at Joliet Junior College (JJC), Ivet excelled in marketing courses and worked alongside her school’s marketing team, obtaining beneficial experience in social media, content creation, and marketing communications. She was selected to create the summer and fall TikTok ads for JJC. Additionally, she provided the athletic department with media posts that have gone viral on different social media platforms that have helped recruit athletes around the Joliet area. 

A comprehensive and competitive application process was launched, attracting a diverse pool of qualified students from various community colleges and universities. Ivet was selected from a talented group of applicants for her impressive qualifications and passion for marketing.

As a First-Generation College Student, Ivet shared that her parents sacrificed to provide her the opportunities to develop and become the person she is today. During childhood, Ivet was diagnosed with a learning disability that presented challenges and struggles. With family support, she has learned to navigate various paths to accomplish success on her educational journey. “I would like to thank my family for always pushing and supporting me to work hard and want more in and out of life,” said Ivet. “I’m excited to bring my skills to KEES and thankful for the connections JJC has helped me create. Thank you to the entire KEES team for this wonderful opportunity.”

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. To learn more about KEES, visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Craft Alliance, a visual arts non-profit located in St. Louis, MO, and nationally recognized as one of the premier craft organizations in the country, announced Bryan W. Knicely as its next Executive Director. Knicely will serve as Craft Alliance’s brand ambassador in a growing artist-minded community and will be responsible for the leadership and management of the organization with a special emphasis on resource development, community engagement, and focus on long-term strategic growth and performance. Assuming his new role effective June 26, 2023, Knicely joins Craft Alliance following the planned retirement of the organization’s departing leader, Mark Witzling.

Knicely is a well-respected arts administrator with over three decades of industry experience and an unwavering belief that art can transform lives and reinforce our shared humanity. 

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead Craft Alliance in this next season of growth following the exceptional leadership of Mark.” said Knicely. “I truly believe everyone is creative when they are encouraged and inspired to participate in the many forms of craft. I love craft, and I am very appreciative that contemporary craft is being embraced more and more by the larger (art) community. Creative outlets are life-changing for many, if not most, people. Having the opportunity to nurture one’s creativity allows that person to grow internally, as well as within their larger community, creating a passion for their own wellbeing and enhancing their sense of place.” 

Prior to joining Craft Alliance, Knicely served as the Executive Director at Pyramid Hill in Hamilton, OH. Partnering with the Board of Directors, Knicely led all aspects of the organization’s operations, including curatorial oversight, administrative and financial management, fundraising, marketing, education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI). Hired to professionalize their operations and staffing, his accomplishments for the organization included a long-range plan to prioritize Board vision, build a community collaboration of local cultural leaders, and write the first policy for DEI. 

“As Craft Alliance embarks on its next chapter, we sought a leader to propel change,” said Board Chair Peggy Holly. “After a thorough and extensive national search process, the board and staff are delighted to have Bryan lead Craft Alliance as we build on the great foundation and positive momentum built by Mark Witzling.” 

Early in his career, Knicely’s professional track brought him through St. Louis, where he served in leadership roles at Laumeier Sculpture Park and Saint Louis Effort for AIDS. During this period, he developed a deep appreciation for the arts community in the St. Louis region and additionally took ceramics classes at Craft Alliance. Other career experiences include roles with Yellowstone Art Museum, BalletMet Columbus, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He is the founder of (Re)Create Consulting and has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts and has served as a grants panelist, published several articles, and presented at both national and international conferences. 

Knicely holds a Liberal Arts Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing from Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Additionally, Knicely holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion from Cornell University and was selected to participate in the Harvard Business School’s Performance Measurements for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations in order to enhance the Creative Economy movement in Maine. 

Craft Alliance’s Board of Directors retained KEES, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented and diverse pool of qualified leaders. Leading the search efforts were Search Chair Terri Jacobson (Former CEO of Jacobson Staffing, Inc.), and Search Committee Members Peggy Holly (Craft Alliance Board Chair and Community Volunteer), Jackie Levin (President and CEO AFB International, retired), Lee Kaplan (Business and Strategy Consultant), Paul Ellebrecht (Strategy Consultant at Collaborative Strategies), and Samantha Menezes (Director at Cigna). The Board of Directors ultimately selected Knicely from a strong group of finalists from across the country. 

“Congratulations to the entire Craft Alliance team and community on this exciting placement,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Bryan will truly help Craft Alliance launch into its next era with a vision that propels and cultivates the contemporary craft movement both locally and nationally. We are excited about the next steps in this onboarding process. Congratulations, all!” 

ABOUT KEES 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com. 

ABOUT CRAFT ALLIANCE 

Craft Alliance is a visual arts organization nurturing and inspiring creativity to educate and enrich the community through contemporary craft. Established in 1964, Craft Alliance will celebrate 60 years of partnership with St. Louis artisans and craft makers in 2024. From its 15,000-square-foot location in the Delmar Maker District, Craft Alliance offers extensive community outreach programs, exhibitions, and education classes for all skill levels in a variety of mediums, artist residencies, youth camps, and a gallery shop. Each year, 15,000+ people come through the doors to experience a full spectrum of educational resources. Nationally recognized as one of the country’s premier nonprofit craft organizations, Craft Alliance is the only organization of its kind in the region solely dedicated to contemporary craft. To learn more, visit www.craftalliance.org. 

Yoo-Jin Hong, a versatile strategist with a passion for community action and positive change, joins KEES as Executive Search Manager. Bringing nearly 20 years of non-profit experience and having held a variety of positions in performing arts and cultural organizations, Hong will serve clients and candidates in a multitude of ways. Specializing in Executive Search, Hong will be responsible for providing a full range of talent acquisition and leadership services with a focus on candidate relations and developing a diverse talent pipeline, while working collaboratively with clients nationwide to support KEES’s continued growth.

“Yoo-Jin is a strategic professional with a diverse background and an impressive skill set,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “Her passion for nonprofits, in particular cultural organizations, will be a driving force to help continue to build and expand KEES work in the arts and culture space, and I am beyond thrilled to have Yoo-Jin join KEES.” 

Most recently as Founder and Consultant at SeventhAbove, Hong provided coaching, consulting, and management services for independent artists, creative collectives, and mission-driven arts organizations. Bringing together her experiences as a lifelong musician and a gritty non-profit leader, Hong has provided tailored services for organizations such as Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Equity Arc, and Asian Musical Voices of America. She thrives on building supportive and inclusive environments for creative people to do their best work.

As the Executive Director of Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School and Festival, Hong was responsible for all aspects of organizational planning and operations, fundraising, financial management, internal and external relations, and oversight of the 15-acre campus grounds and facilities. During her accomplished tenure, she streamlined organizational practices to improve student experience and patron engagement. Hong also surpassed annual fundraising goals for 2021 and 2022 and increased unrestricted funds and cash reserve. Collaborating with the Board of Directors resulted in strengthened fundraising and donor engagement strategies and early planning of a multi-year capital campaign.

Prior to her time at Kneisel Hall, Yoo-Jin Hong served as Vice President for Guest Experience at the Adler Planetarium, where she oversaw the museum’s full portfolio of exhibitions, public programs, and guest services. In her commitment to equity and inclusion practices, Hong enhanced public programs to amplify underrepresented voices and launched collaborative programs with a variety of musicians, artists, Black and Latinx scientists, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Building on her leadership experiences, Hong is excited to bring her expertise to KEES. “I was drawn to the way KEES personalizes the search work to each client partner as well as the candidates seeking career advancement. The KEES team really invests in learning each organization’s underlying culture, strengths, and needs to find the right match,” said Hong. “I’m thrilled to join KEES, whose dedication to the nonprofit and public sector resonates strongly with my own values. I look forward to contributing my experiences to the wider network of purpose-driven organizations throughout the country.”

As a classically trained flutist, Hong’s early career path included tenures at the League of American Orchestras in New York and prestigious arts organizations in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. Hong holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, and holds a third degree, in Orchestral Studies, from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. As an expert with knowledge and experience in her field, Hong was invited to serve as a Grant Panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts (Music Division) in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Additionally, Hong has recently completed Cornell University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate, and is currently working toward a professional coach certification at the Co-Active Training Institute. Hong is also an avid runner and triathlete. 

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. To learn more about KEES, visit www.kees2success.com.  

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Siloam Health, a faith-based, nonprofit healthcare organization serving Nashville’s uninsured, underserved, and culturally marginalized patients, has named Katie Richards as its next President and Chief Executive Officer following the planned departure of the organization’s former leader, Dr. Morgan Wills. Richards assumes her new role effective July 5, 2023.

With fifteen years of experience in faith-based charitable healthcare and nonprofit development in the Nashville community, Richards is a mission-driven nonprofit leader who has successfully contributed to and impacted outcomes for Siloam Health and its patients.

“After a rigorous national search process, we are delighted to name Katie Richards to the role of President and CEO,” said Sammye Woods, Siloam Health’s Board Chair. “Through creative leadership and strategic decision-making, we are confident that Katie will successfully lead and further elevate Siloam Health’s mission.”

Formerly serving as Chief Development Officer and most recently as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Siloam Health, Richards is a relational leader who builds partnerships with community organizations to expand service impact and access. Under her leadership Siloam’s contributed revenue doubled – going from $1.6M to $3.2M annually – which has led to 2,000 more patients being served each year through whole-person medical care, expanded community health programs, and the opening of Siloam’s second location in Antioch. In addition, Richards serves on influential teams/committees and spearheaded the creation and growth of the Next Generation board, which taps into the expertise of young professionals under the age of 40 who are passionate about engaging the Nashville community with the mission of Siloam Health.  

“Being a part of Siloam’s mission to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care the past nine years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Richards. “I am grateful for the board’s leadership and the opportunity to serve as the next President and CEO of Siloam Health. It’s an honor to steward a mission I believe in deeply and to lead the organization as we seek to ensure that our neighbors from all nations are empowered to live healthy lives and feel at home in our community.”

Prior to her tenure at Siloam Health, Richards worked in various roles with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee where she was involved with budgeting, staff development, hiring, fundraising, event planning, and board development.

Siloam Health’s Board of Directors and CEO Search Committee engaged executive search firm KEES, a non-profit executive search firm that builds teams, to conduct an extensive national search that yielded more than 100 talented applicants from across the nation. Leading the search efforts were Search Chair Sammye Woods (Former Director of Transformation Management and Facilitation at Parallon Business Solutions) and Search Committee Members Emmitt Beall (Director of Finance at Optum), Dr. Quincy Byrdsong (Vice Provost for Health Affairs at Lipscomb University), Dr. Doug Heimburger (Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University), Dr. Raymond ‘Buz’ Martin (Former Physician Director for Surgical Services at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital), Todd McKee (Principal Attorney at T. McKee Law), and April Savoy (Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Allstate). The Board of Directors ultimately selected Richards from a strong group of finalists that came from multiple sub-sectors in healthcare.

“Katie’s commitment to excellence and deep passion to serve not only Siloam’s mission, but Christian healthcare as a whole, will benefit the entire Siloam Health community,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “The KEES team congratulates Katie and the Siloam Health team on this exciting announcement. We look forward to seeing this next stage of Siloam Health’s growth as they continue to share the love of Christ by serving those most in need.”

ABOUT KEES 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT SILOAM HEALTH 

For more than 30 years, Siloam Health’s mission has been to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care. Siloam provides medical care for the underserved, promotes community health among marginalized immigrants, and offers student education for the next generation of health care providers. To learn more about Siloam Health, please visit SiloamHealth.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

SILOAM HEALTH MEDIA CONTACT:

Zach Bevill, Zach.Bevill@siloamhealth.org

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), one of the nation’s premier youth orchestra programs, founded in 1946 to provide music education and instrumental training of the highest quality, has announced Jennie Oh Brown as its next Executive Director. Working in tandem with CYSO’s leadership team, Brown will build on CYSO’s mission of inspiring personal excellence through music by identifying new relationships and educational and performance opportunities for CYSO’s young musicians. This work will also include expanding community partnerships to provide musical training and access in under-served communities throughout Chicago and increase CYSO’s profile as one of the nation’s cultural and musical gems. Brown joins Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras full-time effective May 22, 2023. She succeeds Susan Lape, who led for five years and grew the organization exponentially, and departed in early 2023 to lead philanthropy at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance.

A celebrated artist, arts administrator, educator, and visionary, Brown brings a wealth of experience and a wide-ranging skill set to her new position. Brown has most recently served as Artistic Director with Epiphany Center for the Arts, curating programs and concerts and developing educational programming throughout the landmark venue’s performance spaces. Brown previously served as Executive and Artistic Director of Ear Taxi Festival in 2021, founder, director, and faculty member of Credo Flute, and on faculty at Wheaton College and Elmhurst University. She is founder and director of Picosa chamber music collective, Artist-in-Residence at Epiphany Center for the Arts, and serves on the board of Chamber Music of America.

“CYSO has set a high bar for inspiring generations of young musicians and leaders,” said Brown. “Great music has the power to change culture and to heal spirits. It is more than beautiful sounds; We are creating citizens through this artistic life who are learning to lead, to encourage one another with empathy and kindness, and to serve the greater good. It is a true honor to have been selected as the next Executive Director, and I look forward to working with Music Director Allen Tinkham and the entire CYSO community to create an impact for years to come.”

In addition to her many administrative arts leadership positions, as a flutist, Brown has been an energizing and creative force in the field of classical music for more than 20 years in a broad range of contexts. As a recording artist, her solo album, Giantess, was featured in the Chicago Tribune’s Best classical albums of 2019: World premieres, historic revivals, and enticingly eclectic music (Howard Reich). In addition, as a CYSO alumni parent, she will bring a unique perspective on the impact and importance of the programming CYSO provides to young musicians.

“Jennie is a force within the Chicago and national music scene, and we are thrilled to officially announce her as our next Executive Director,” said CYSO Board Chair Ross Bricker. “We were seeking a collaborative, innovative, and inspiring individual as our next leader, and we look forward to growing and flourishing with Jennie’s background and expertise. I am confident that her vision and skillset will propel CYSO to new levels, ensure it remains a best-in-class program available to all, and bring the enormous benefits that CYSO provides to students throughout Chicagoland.”

Brown holds Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Performance, Repertoire, and Literature degrees and the Performers Certificate from the University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Brown is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the diversity and inclusion and historical flutes committees of the National Flute Association.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Board of Directors retained KEES in 2022, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented and diverse pool of qualified leaders locally, domestically, and internationally. Leading the search efforts were Search Chair Brittany Viola (Former Attorney at Chapman and Cutler), Saurab Bhargava (Merge), Ross Bricker (Jenner & Block), Pamela Conroy, Bryan Miller (Leyden High Schools), Jennifer Myerberg (The Alvin & Louise Myerberg Family Foundation, Inc.), Angela O’Banion (Cook County Health), John Schladweiler (Schladweiler Associates, Inc., retired), and Hank Turner (Conagra Brands). Consultant Yoo-Jin Hong (SeventhAbove) also added to the Committee’s expertise. The Board of Directors ultimately selected Brown from a strong group of finalists that came from multiple sub-sectors in classical, youth music, and music education.

“Jennie brings a proven entrepreneurial spirit to the CYSO team,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “She is a recognized and admired national leader and artist. Her energy and creativity will further CYSO’s mission to broader and deeper audiences. Congratulations to Jennie, the Board, and the entire CYSO community on this exciting hire.”

ABOUT KEES 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS

With a rich history dating to 1946, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering student musicians so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage. Bringing together young musicians from diverse backgrounds in a collaborative environment that develops self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership, CYSO provides one of the most comprehensive music training programs in the country that inspires both musical and personal growth. To learn more, please visit www.cyso.org.

*Photo Credit: Forestt Strong Lafave

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS MEDIA CONTACT:

Abbey Hambright, ahambright@cyso.org

Storycatchers Theatre (Chicago), a non-profit youth empowerment organization that guides youth impacted by the juvenile justice system to transform their traumatic experiences into powerful theatre and storytelling, has selected Tasha Levy as its next Executive Director. Levy will be responsible for strategic planning, organizational development, sustainability, and key partnerships. Levy assumes her new role this week, following the successful leadership of former Executive Director Priya Shah and Interim Executive Director Rachel Hauben Combs.

With over 25 years of experience in education (both in the classroom and administration), operations, curriculum design, and program development, Levy is a specialist in strategic leadership. Additionally, she brings executive-level skills and expertise honed in both the private and non-profit sectors.

Prior to joining Storycatchers Theatre, Levy served as Chief of Staff for Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO) and Chief Learning Officer for i.c.stars in which she was responsible for monitoring the training program’s quality across multiple cities and ensuring the sustainability of expansion through empowering program teams. In both Chicago-based roles, Levy developed the team’s capacity to design and implement innovative programs that align with best practices and research. Additionally, she was an integral part of ensuring the programs and outcomes matched the goals and purposes of the funding sources, be it governmental or private/donated support.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Storycatchers Theatre during this next phase,” said Levy. “The mission of Storycatchers resonates with me and I have seen the positive changes that can be made through the arts first hand. As a former educator, it was inspiring to see the impact of integrating music and theater in the classroom. It was a life-changing experience for me and my students. I am excited to continue building on the current framework of this amazing organization with the board and staff members that make up this dedicated team. I look forward to continuing the work of Storycatchers and inspiring positive change through the arts.”

Levy holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL, a Master of Arts in Education from National Louis University in Chicago, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

“We were searching for a passionate, vision-oriented, justice-centered leader and connector of resources and people supporting system-impacted youth,” said Kendra Freeman, Storycatchers Theatre Board Chair and Metropolitan Planning Council Vice President. “Tasha’s dedication to and enthusiasm for the mission of Storycatchers Theatre is inspiring and we look forward to growing and flourishing with Tasha at the helm. On behalf of the Search Committee, the entire Board of Directors, and everyone affiliated with Storycatchers Theatre, we proudly welcome Tasha to the team! Thank you KEES for a wonderful partnership!”

Storycatchers Theatre competitively selected and retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles. A comprehensive national search was launched, and Levy was ultimately selected from a talented pool of finalists. Leading the search efforts were Board Chair Kendra J. Freeman (Vice-President at Metropolitan Planning Council), Search Committee Chair David Sowinski (Partner at Vantage Leadership Consulting), and Search Committee members including Edmund Buck (Youth Coach at UCAN Chicago and Storycatchers alumni), Rachel Hauben Combs (Interim Executive Director/Director of Development at Storycatchers Theatre), Carla Goldstein (Legal Industry Innovator Consultant), Gerald Lewis (Market President at BMO Harris Bank US), and Rhoda Reeling (Vice President, National Association of Realtors, Retired).

“The future holds enormous potential for Storycatchers Theatre and the youth they serve,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “KEES strives to help build strong nonprofit teams and leaders through executive partnerships and we are truly honored to have partnered with such a deeply committed group of board leaders. KEES proudly congratulates the entire Storycatchers Theatre team on this appointment.” 

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT STORYCATCHERS THEATRE

Storycatchers Theatre (SCT) guides young people to transform their life experiences into powerful musical theatre, developing the courage and vision to become leaders and mentors. By creating support for youth within the criminal justice system, Storycatchers Theatre prepares them to change their lives and emerge successfully from court involvement. With numerous dedicated resources, SCT strives to meet the complex needs of adolescents and young adults who have been touched by the justice system. To learn more, please visit www.storycatcherstheatre.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

STORYCATCHERS MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizia Artis, elizia@storycatcherstheatre.org