Westby Named Music Academy
Board Chair
For Immediate Release January 8, 2010
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – Sharon Westby, a former General Motors executive who has helped spearhead a succession of recent campus renovation initiatives, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors for the Music Academy of the West. Also elected to the Board's executive committee for 2010 were Georgia Lynn (second vice chair) and Michele Brustin (secretary). Robert Nourse was re-elected as Board treasurer, and Robert Toledo, who had been serving as secretary, was named first vice chair. The Academy Board elections took place at a meeting on November 24.
Born in Detroit, Ms. Westby earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics at Michigan State University and an MBA at the University of Michigan before embarking on a career at General Motors Corp. She went on to hold a succession of analytical and management positions at the company, retiring as vice president of finance for GM Canada in 2002. A Santa Barbara resident since 2004, Ms. Westby joined the Music Academy Board two years later. As chair of the Campus Renovation Committee, she played a lead role in the renovation of Hahn Hall and subsequent campus improvement projects. Ms. Westby succeeds James E. Davidson, who held the position for the last three years. Music Academy Board officers serve terms of one year unless re-elected.
"This is an especially exciting time at the Music Academy of the West, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue contributing to this outstanding organization. I am eagerly looking forward to the coming year," said Ms. Westby.
In related developments, the following individuals were re-elected to three-year terms on the Music Academy Board: James E. Davidson, Kandy Luria-Budgor, Robert Nourse, Robert Toledo, and Robert W. Weinman. Newly elected to three-year terms were Andy Chou, Judy Getto, and Maurice Singer. (Announcements about the latter appointments will be distributed separately.) Richard C. Blake and Seymour Lehrer retired from the Board effective December 31.
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 frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, 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 enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began screening live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
