Board of Directors

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                         2023 - 2024

 

Richard Wood, President

Rich is a local attorney in private practice whose experience in community service includes ten years as a Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Care and Share Food Bank, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, and the District 20 Education Foundation.  Rich is an avid patron and supporter of the local arts, a season subscriber with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and TheatreWorks, a music lover, a very bad strummer of simple guitar chords, and an even worse singer.

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Jim Mahoney, Vice President

Consultant and Trainer, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), Retired Academy School District #20 Administrator and music consumer.

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Cheryl Schwartz, Treasurer

Grew up in St. Louis, has lived in Colorado Springs since 1990. Avid bridge player, amateur singer and serial board member. Raised 2 children who were both involved in music. Active in the Arts community. Now enjoys spending time with the grandchildren and keeping busy.

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Melissa Foster, Secretary

A retired career educator in both elementary and secondary schools, and is a committed advocate for music education and performance experiences for young people. She is a trustee with the Palmer Land Trust, is a committed community participant and is active in her church.

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Marta Lamberton, Parent Council Chair

Marta lives in Monument with her husband (John) and daughters (Katie and Kristie), who were both violinists for the CSYSA organization for over 10 years. Marta has a passion for the arts and is a firm believer in paying it forward. For several years, she volunteered in various capacities for the CSYSA organization, most recently as Parent Manager for the Youth Symphony Orchestra. Marta is currently a Clinical Operations Director in the Neuroscience Department at Takeda Pharmaceutical and has worked in the Clinical Research arena for over 20 years. 

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Ellie Bontrager

Music lover and parent of two CSYSA alumni. She also coordinates the Limon Community blood drive.

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Joe Cole

Joe Cole is the former weeknight anchor for FOX21 who now handles the tasks of News Director. He has called southern Colorado home since 2000. Joe's son played with the CSYSA and he has served as a board member since 2021. Joe is graduate of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide as he likes to say) where he received his degree in Broadcasting and a double minor in Psychology and Speech Communications. When not at work you’ll probably find him somewhere on a local golf course.

 

 

Cindy Fesgen

A retired D20 elementary principal of an arts integration school, Cindy believes in the power of music education. She is a painter, poet, and singer who enjoys being a part of the creative Colorado Springs community. She continues to serve children as a lunch lady and substitute teacher.

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Gary Foote
Outreach Committee Chair, moved to the Springs following a NYC career in marketing/ new product development with Lever Brothers, Clairol, and global confectioner Ferrero. Gary sings in the Broadmoor Community Church Choir.

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Stephen Hock

Retired music educator (Band, Choir, Orchestra) in School Districts #11, #20, and #38) for 53 years in the Pikes Peak Region. Presently on the music staff of First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. Past member of the Colorado Springs Symphony and the Pueblo Symphony. Interest include cycling, fly fishing, hiking, reading and travel. Lives in Palmer Lake with wife, Carolyn.

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Shannon Jones

Retired from a career with King Soopers, Shannon has seen the benefits that a music education has given his two sons who participated in CSYSA. A one time volunteer for School District 11, Shannon is also on the board of the Vintage Car Club of America, Pikes Peak region. 

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Nancy Pittman

Nancy is a past CSYSA board president, past president of Philharmonic Guild and a community volunteer.

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David Schwartz

Raised in NYC, David came to love the performing and visual arts at an early age.  He and Cheryl have been strong supporters of many local arts organizations since the early 90’s.  Their son played with CSYSA; their daughter sang with Children’s Chorale.  Now, retired from medical practice, David continues to stay busy with family, friends, music, theater, and stuff. 

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Keven Stewart, Executive Director (non-voting)

Gary Nicholson, Music Director (non-voting)