Class Acts Arts Says Farewell to Executive Director, Joan Burns
The Class Acts Arts Board of Directors announces that Joan Burns will be stepping down as Executive Director effective February 24, 2012. After nearly 7 years as Executive Director and 15 years of service to the organization that began with founder Busy Graham, Ms. Burns will be moving to Paris, France as her husband takes a new job.
She says, “Fifteen years is a long time to commit to a cause, and one of which I have much to be proud. I have faith and trust in our talented artists, our wonderful staff, a dynamic Board of Directors, and fabulous supporters, so I know good things will follow. I especially value the collaborations and partnerships we have built with schools and community organizations across the region.”
Board President Stefan Bradham noted, "Replacing Joan will be a difficult task, given her time and knowledge of the arts in education community here in the DC region, and the growth of the organization under her leadership." He added, "However, the Board of Directors has already begun work and secured an interim Executive Director to help with this transitional period."
The Board is preparing a comprehensive search to find a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and community impact. Mr. Bradham noted, "One of the understated influences of Joan on the organization has been the caliber and competency of the staff. The Board is moving forward with the search with a great deal of confidence in the staff to maintain the current programming.”
The Board has named James Modrick as Interim Executive Director during the search process. Mr. Modrick is a consultant with JEM Consulting, specializing in nonprofit governance and arts in education. He is taking a leave of absence from his position as Vice President of the Class Acts Arts Board of Directors.
The Class Acts Arts Executive Director Job Description is now posted under employment opportunities.
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ABOUT CLASS ACTS ARTS: Class Acts Arts was founded in 1995 to fill a critical need in the community for access to the arts. We offer performances and workshops for schools and organizations across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia with over 100 teaching artists from more than 20 countries and cultures. Class Acts Arts seeks to ensure the availability of the arts to everyone, including those with limited access, by raising funds to bring programs to low-income schools, seniors, court-involved youth and women, wounded warriors, and adults with disabilities, and also helps schools meet curriculum goals in unique and effective ways. Last year, we provided over 2,200 programs, reaching an audience of nearly 320,000.
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