Burtness Named To Music Academy Board Of Directors
For Immediate Release september 4, 2007
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA— George Burtness, a former Stanford University administrator with an extensive record of serving on local nonprofit boards, has been named to the Board of Directors for the Music Academy of the West.
A native of Santa Barbara, Mr. Burtness earned undergraduate (psychology) and M.B.A degrees from Stanford before embarking on successful careers in electronics and real estate and winery management. He also served four years in the Air Force between earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Building on the electronics training he received in the Air Force, Mr. Burtness worked for a series of Bay Area electronics firms involved in government security projects for a decade before returning to Stanford to manage the university’s real estate portfolio for 15 years. He later managed Thomas Fogarty Winery, helping to transform it from a fledgling operation to a profitable enterprise in seven years.
Since retiring and returning to Santa Barbara, Mr. Burtness has served as a board member for the Sansum Diabetes Institute (15 years, two as chairman), the Santa Barbara Zoo (six years, three as treasurer), and the Lobero Theatre Foundation (nine years, three as president). He has also worked as a community volunteer and is active in environmental advocacy.
“I’ve been increasingly involved with the Academy for about 10 years, so I see this as the next logical step in terms of supporting the Academy and the vital role it plays in developing classical musicians. I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping to guide the Academy during this exciting time,” Mr. Burtness said following his appointment at a Music Academy Board meeting on June 12.
In a related development, Nan Holt, who was recently elected chairwoman of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Music Academy of the West, will represent that support group on the Board for the duration of her tenure as chairwoman.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many have established themselves as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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