Mary Ann Aufderheide has led VocalEssence as executive director since 2003 and has expanded the organization’s programs in the areas of governance, education, resource development, community partnerships and recording projects. Prior to joining VocalEssence, Mary Ann served as executive director of the Phoenix Boys Choir and director of education for The Phoenix Symphony. Mary Ann is president of the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts board, peer leader of Chorus America’s Leadership Development Forum and a board member and past president of the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable. She participated in the inaugural class of the National Arts Strategies Executive Nonprofit Leadership training program for arts administrators, held in partnership with Stanford University. She has served as a National Endowment for the Arts and Minnesota Regional Arts Council panelist, is active as a national consultant in chorus management, and plays English horn with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
