On Wednesday, January 8, 2014, the League of American Orchestras announced that Polly Kahn, vice president for Learning and Leadership Development, will step down from her position following the League’s National Conference this June. Below are messages from Kahn and from League President and CEO Jesse Rosen.
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
A very happy new year to all of you.
I want to give you some personal news: I will be stepping down from the League in June, following this year’s Conference. After more than 14 years here—and a lot of years fulltime in the workplace—it’s time for another chapter, and a little lighter load! So, I’ll be pulling back a bit, and looking forward to taking on some interesting projects.
In the meantime, we’re all looking forward to bringing you a great Conference in June, as well as offering a host of other League activities.
I hope to see many of you in New York at Mid-Winter, and at Conference in Seattle.
Polly Kahn
Vice President, Learning and Leadership Development
Message from Jesse Rosen on Polly Kahn’s Announcement:
I know you share our deep appreciation and affection for Polly Kahn and her remarkable contributions over so many years. Polly’s fourteen-year tenure with the League adds to a lifetime of accomplishment on behalf of education and learning in orchestras.
Polly’s League tenure has been marked by an extraordinary growth and refinement of learning opportunities for people in orchestras, from board members and volunteers to staff members and musicians. She has introduced many of the leading thinkers, teachers and practitioners in governance, organizational development, and leadership development to our members. Through her leadership, member orchestras have received dozens of awards and grants for composer residencies, conductor fellowships, and excellence in governance, education, and community engagement. And, networks of staff and volunteers now populate orchestras, having shared the experience of learning together in the numerous programs organized by Polly. In any given year, more than 15,000 people from over 400 orchestras participate in the programs under Polly’s direction.
We are looking forward to celebrating Polly’s achievements over the coming months. The League has launched a search for Polly’s successor, and I will keep you posted.
Jesse Rosen
President and CEO
