EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
 |
I
look forward to speaking with members of New Haven’s
rich arts community, as well as the broader cultural
community, and serving our Board and membership
in the days ahead.
Mary
Benfer, Executive Director |
We
are pleased to announce the appointment of soprano Mary
Benfer as Executive Director of the New Haven Chorale.
This fall Mary begins her fourth season with the Chorale,
her “favorite, most exciting musical endeavor ever.”
Her passion for singing has spanned a lifetime of musicmaking
with church choirs and community choruses.
Over
the last twenty five years, Mary has applied her expertise
in Adult Education and community service developing educational
programs for non-profits in fundraising, strategic planning,
and leadership and motivation of volunteers. She has held
numerous leadership positions in healthcare as a nurse,
and in community organizations. Currently, she serves
on the board of Fellowship Place and the Friends Board
of New Haven Legal Assistance Association.
While
serving on the Chorale Board for the last two seasons,
Mary has chaired our efforts to design and implement our
Strategic Plan and successfully expand our development
efforts. In her new position as Executive Director, Mary
will devote her formidable talents and energy to giving
the Chorale a highly visible presence and professional
voice throughout the greater New Haven community. Chorale
President Hank Sykes notes, “We are fortunate to fill
this position initially from within our ranks. Mary understands
our members’ passion, our traditions, and our vision for
the future, and will represent us well in the community.”
Executive
Director has been a fundamental concept in the Chorale’s
Strategic Plan since its inception. While this step represents
a major undertaking for the Chorale, the Board felt that
the time had come to have a professional Executive Director
to help us grow organizationally and become a more active
presence in the community. Betty Monz, Executive Director
of the Arts Council, commented, “I am delighted the Chorale
has created this fabulous opportunity for both itself
and for New Haven. I welcome Mary’s enthusiasm and experience
in our arts community."
Mary’s prior accomplishments on behalf of the Chorale,
her professional organizational and board experience,
and her commitment, enthusiasm, and energy equip her well
for this role. Her tireless efforts to build relationships
within the Chorale’s community, to strengthen our organization,
and to serve as an advocate for choral art in our area
indicate the scope of what she can accomplish in her new
position.
