Dear members of the BMS community: 

I am writing to tell you that Piruz Partow has stepped down from his position as Executive Director of BMS to pursue other professional opportunities.  The Board recognizes and thanks him for his long service to BMS.

We will begin a formal search for a new Executive Director right away.  In the interim, the Board has appointed Brian Adamczyk as Interim Executive Director.  As many of you probably know, Brian currently serves as BMS Director of Programming and Production.  He will bring continuity, institutional knowledge, and strong relationships to keep BMS on track during the transition. 

Brian is an experienced arts administrator.  He served most recently as Director of the Haverford Conservatory and as Education Program Coordinator at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  He is also a professional musician who has performed alongside John Legend, the Who, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Josh Groban, and Idina Menzel.  He graduated in 2005 from the University of the Arts.  (You can read more about Brian here.)

The Board has also appointed Lynn Stirrup, who currently advises BMS on fundraising and capital campaigns, to serve as part-time Executive Advisor for a period of six months.  Lynn’s leadership and exceptional knowledge of the non-profit world and the local community will be instrumental.  

Lynn Stirrup is a seasoned non-profit organizational development and strategy leader. Highly regarded as a primary initiator and facilitator of institutional advancement and capacity building, she has served as Executive Director of the Big Apple Circus, and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as Executive Director for Special Campaigns, and Vice President of Planning, among other key roles. 
(You can read more about Lynn here.)

I know that this announcement may come as a surprise and many of you will have questions about this transition.  I want to encourage you to reach out to me through the Parent Portal, and I want to reassure you that BMS is in very good hands as we push forward on many exciting fronts. 

Our recent survey made clear that BMS is a strong community of people who share the conviction that everyone should have access to musical instruction and performance.  We can all take pride in how many students we serve and how much good this institution does for so many.  Your support and enthusiasm matter more than ever as we work together for a brighter future at BMS.

Warm regards, 
Shelby Green, Chair of the Board of Trustees