NEWS: OrKidstra to create new possibilities for growth in 2021
Capacity building sets the stage for helping more kids reach for success through music
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, Ont. – March 25, 2021 – OrKidstra Co-Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director Tina Fedeski, MSM, and Board Chair Mark Sutcliffe are delighted to announce the expansion of OrKidstra’s leadership team to add the position of Executive Director. To build on the charitable organization’s long history of success and to fulfill the carefully established strategic plan, OrKidstra will be creating a new leadership model with two critical roles: Executive Director and Artistic Director. As a result of this expansion, over the next year, Tina Fedeski will transition from leading every area of the organization to being a full-time Artistic Director, while the new Executive Director will assume responsibilities for operations.
Tina Fedeski, OrKidstra Co-Founder and CEO & Artistic Director, is excited about the possibilities this new leadership structure presents. “It is my absolute honour and privilege to have led OrKidstra since 2007,” says Tina. “Along with Co-founders Gary McMillen and Margaret Maria Tobolowska, we could not have imagined how our idea, passion, and determination would evolve into what OrKidstra is today. It has been, and continues to be, a wondrous journey!” Tina continues, “With the kids and the growing organization at the heart of my decision, I shared my intention with the Board to step away from the executive side so I could focus my time, love and creative energy on the kids and the program. Of course, the unique challenges of this last year delayed the transition, but we now feel ready! We are excited to start the search and welcome the right person to help us build our long-term capacity as we set the stage for reaching many more children and youth. My heartfelt thanks and love go to OrKidstra’s extraordinary team and Board and our beautiful community for playing such an integral role to help us reach this significant point in OrKidstra’s story.”
OrKidstra Board Chair Mark Sutcliffe is delighted that OrKidstra will expand its leadership structure to guide its rebuilding and future growth strategically. “As a long-time fan of OrKidstra, and in the short time I’ve been Board Chair, I’ve witnessed the extraordinary impact Tina has had on our community,” said Sutcliffe. “She is an exceptional person and a terrific leader who has been carrying the dual responsibilities of artistic and organizational leadership for many years. This is a great opportunity to add to our strong team, bring on an experienced executive director who can focus on fulfilling our strategic plan, and allow Tina to focus on what she loves most: the kids.”
OrKidstra is a charitable social development program for children aged 5 to 18 living in under-served areas of Ottawa, Canada. The organization’s mission is to empower kids and build community through the universal language of music. Inspired by El Sistema, OrKidstra carries out its mission by providing over 600 children, from 62 cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with free group and individual music lessons and the chance to learn important life skills like respect, compassion, teamwork, and responsibility through playing and singing together. In 2020-21, OrKidstra continues to reach kids through its innovative OrKidstra @ Home online programming helping to empower kids to continue building success with music at home. Learn more at orkidstra.ca (Charitable Org. # 83246 7153 RR0001)
The search for the new Executive Director has begun. Please visit Keynote Search’s website here to learn more.
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Contact:
Rebecca Russell, Senior Development & Communications Officer
development@orkidstra.ca
613.233.0166
orkidstra.ca
