Strategic development strategy will support program expansion and new initiatives
Westchester County, N.Y. (January 29, 2013) – The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts based in White Plains, has appointed Ossining resident Liz Garger as Chief Institutional Advancement Officer. Rena Stein also joins the Conservatory as Development Associate. The announcement was made by Dr. Jean Newton, the school’s Executive Director.
As Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, Liz Garger will be responsible for the design and implementation of the Conservatory's diversified fundraising efforts, developing a major gifts strategy and campaign to support program expansion as well as new initiatives. She will oversee the procurement of donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies to support annual operating and programmatic needs such as the Conservatory’s Music Therapy Institute, scholarship program, a new program for senior citizens, and plans for a technology studio.
“The Conservatory is such a prestigious and vital organization,” said Garger. “I am extremely honored and excited to help advance the school’s mission by engaging more people in the wonders of music while encouraging them to become part of our musical community."
Prior to joining the Conservatory, Liz was Senior Vice President of Resource Development for United Way of Westchester and Putnam, a health and human services agency committed to advancing the common good. As part of the senior management team, Liz managed United Way’s nine-member development staff and implemented a comprehensive fundraising strategy to raise resources for the $10 million organization.
Liz was formerly Executive Director of The Volunteer Center of United Way, an organization widely recognized in Westchester and Putnam County as a one-stop resource for all things volunteer. While there, Liz increased the level of funding from grants and other sources by 75 percent within her first year. Additional non-profit positions include Director of Marketing for the Adirondack Museum and Director of Strategic Initiatives for Fort Ticonderoga. She received her B.S. in Business Administration from Pace University.
“Liz is an established leader in the non-profit arena with impressive experience right in our backyard,” said Newton. “We are thrilled to welcome both Liz and Rena and are confident that our new development strategy will have a substantial impact on new programs and initiatives for the future.”
Rena Stein was previously development associate for RxArt, a non-profit dedicated to installing original museum-quality contemporary art in hospitals nationwide. She is the co-founder of GoodyBags, a New York-based charity providing backpacks of items to children seeking safety from dangerous or unstable living conditions. Rena served as a board member for DOROT, co-founding the organization’s Young Professionals Board. She received a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University and a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, N.Y. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester Music Conservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their blog
(www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.
About the Music Conservatory of Westchester
Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester today continues to be the largest music organization in the Westchester region, serving more than 2,500 students of all ages and abilities each year. The school’s comprehensive programs include one-on-one instrumental instruction in all genres from classical to jazz and rock, music theory and composition, performing ensembles, young children’s classes and Suzuki instruction, programs for adults and senior citizens, and more than 100 recitals and performances each year. Throughout its history, the Conservatory’s programs have proactively embraced everyone in the community regardless of age, background, ability or financial means. Over $100,000 in scholarships is awarded annually to financially deserving students. The school’s Music Therapy Institute is the largest professional program in the region, working in partnership with 29 agencies at 65 sites. The Conservatory’s campus consists of a 36,000 square-foot fully renovated building, with 43 teaching studios, two dance studios, and a state-of-the-art recital hall. The Steffi Nossen Dance School and Westchester Choral Society are in residence in the building. The Conservatory is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.
