MILLWOOD- Friends of Music Concerts which presents the finest in professional chamber music, announced that former legislator Sandy Galef has been named to the Board of Directors. In addition, FOMC announced that it has retained, on a consulting basis, Martin Kagan as Executive Director and Solange De Santis as Marketing and Communications Director.
“As we celebrate our 70th season, Friends of Music Concerts is recommitting itself to its mission and future. We are delighted that Sandy has accepted our invitation, as the board is committed to seeking new members. We are also adding professional expertise in fund raising, board development and marketing,” said FOMC President Susan Harris.
“We remain committed to our mission: engaging audiences of all ages with the greatest chamber music artists of our time and supporting music students from underserved communities,” Harris said.
“I am thrilled to join my fellow music lovers on the Friends of Music Concerts board. I’ve been attending the concerts for years. Enjoying great classical music, advancing the organization and supporting the musicians of tomorrow – what could be better?” Galef commented.
In addition to Galef and Harris, volunteer board members are: VP Keith Austin, Treasurer Marc Auslander, Secretary Peter Oden, David Kraft, Bruce MacLennan, Rosella Ranno and Betsy Shaw Weiner.
Galef served as a member of the NYS Assembly from 1993 to 2022, representing the 90th district first, then the 95th district. In 1980, Galef was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, where she represented the 2nd and 9th districts and served as the minority leader from 1984 until 1992, when she was elected to the Assembly.
Kagan has over 30 years of senior management experience in the arts and cultural field. In his past positions he has proved his ability to design, develop and implement innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to leadership, strategic planning, building facilities, finance, board relations, consensus building, grant making, fundraising, and administration. Highlights of his career include Assistant Vice President of Cultural Affairs for Pace University (overseeing the Schimmel Theatre), Executive Director of Paul Taylor Dance Company, Alex Theatre and OPERA America.
De Santis has extensive experience in journalism, corporate communications and marketing. She was a reporter with the Wall Street Journal and an editor with Reuters in the U.S. and Canada. Her theater articles have appeared in playbill.com and American Theatre magazine. Her arts marketing experience includes the position of Executive Director with St. Thomas Orchestra.
