WSMA Names Michael George Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis., (June 1, 2009) - After an extensive search and review process, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is pleased to announce the employment of Michael George as executive director beginning July 1. In this position, he will also serve as executive director for WSMA partnering organizations -- Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) and Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM). All three organizations are headquartered in the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee.
“Mike will bring a wealth of experience and strong leadership to the position. His extensive knowledge of the needs for fine arts throughout the state and his many contacts will also be very positive for the future of these organizations,” said Scott Pierce, WSMA president.
Michael George, who had previously served 16 years in the executive director position and was a visionary behind the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, has most recently been employed as director of content and learning for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). His experience also includes serving as a music consultant for DPI and the Madison Metropolitan School District and music teacher for Dodgeville Public Schools.
The search for the executive director began last December and included over 45 credentialed applicants with multiple rounds of interviews and background checks. “The board determined that we were going to take our time until we found the best person to fill this important position,” said Pierce. Two retired educators, Gregg Butler and Robert Hanson, both who have been on the WSMA Board of Directors for many years, served in an interim capacity during the transition between executive directors.
For more information on WSMA and its partnering organizations, go to www.wsmamusic.org.
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Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 student participants take part in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.