Spring Greetings Intonation Family!
As we move deeper into a season that celebrates growth, change, and opportunity, I’m sharing news that 15 years after founding the organization, I will be stepping down as Executive Director of Intonation Music at the end of this calendar year. First off, my deepest thanks to all of you for supporting our work with Chicago youth to experience making music on their own terms!
Since I founded Intonation in 2006, our constant theme has been growth. That includes my role. From a volunteer role, to day-to-day program leader, to Executive Director – I have had the great fortune to shape how Intonation has grown from its inception to today.
Shortly after Intonation moved to Greater Bronzeville a few years ago, I began thinking that Intonation is ready for fresh leadership, especially as it becomes more connected to and reflective of the community we serve. Leading Intonation has been the honor of my professional life. Bolstered by the confidence that Intonation is ready for new leadership, I’ve reached a point in my life – and career – where I’m ready for my next opportunity. I don’t yet know what that might be, but I am 100% committed to leading Intonation this year and ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader and an exciting next chapter.
As an organization, we have spent 18 months preparing in big and small ways. I am grateful to our deeply dedicated Board of Directors and staff, who are wholly committed to charting the course through 2021 and beyond. Together we have built infrastructure and capacity for our next phase and have been intentional with hiring, growth plans, and board development, all with strategic succession planning in mind. We’ve successfully navigated through the most remarkable of years and have recently launched our new strategic plan, so we have momentum propelling us to deepen our effort and impact.
I see a bright future for Intonation, and I take pride and inspiration in witnessing the growth in participation, awareness, and impact that our sharpening focus on community responsiveness has brought to the organization. This is the right time and I’ve been humbled to be a part of the unity of purpose, leadership, and dedication apparent at every level of the organization as we take this important step.
The search process for a new Executive Director is already getting underway with a committee made up of members of our board and staff. Thank you again for your partnership and commitment to Intonation, and it is with great excitement and gratitude that I invite your continued investment in our next chapter!
Best,
Mike