RPO Announces New VP of Development
For Immediate Release: February 3, 2014
Media Contacts: Sally Cohen, 585-749-1795, sally@sallycohenpr.com
RPO Info: rpo.org, facebook.com/SuperRPO, twitter.com/SuperRPO, rpo-land.blogspot.com
RPO ANNOUNCES NEW VP OF DEVELOPMENT
Rochester’s Judith Lemoncelli begins February 24
Rochester, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Lemoncelli as the next Vice President of Development at the RPO. She will begin her new duties on Monday, February 24, 2014.
“We are excited to welcome Judy as the newest member of our senior leadership team,” says RPO President and CEO Charles Owens. “I’ve spoken with many in our community who give her high praise for her work ethic, consistent high standards, exceptional donor relations and many fundraising successes.”
Lemoncelli (pronounced “lemon-SELLee”) has more than two decades of experience as a fundraising professional with several leading organizations in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, most recently as Senior Development Director of the local Alzheimer’s Association. She previously worked for The Nature Conservancy’s Central and Western New York office as Director of Philanthropy; for WXXI as Director of Marketing and Development and Director of Corporate Development; and for KPBS TV/Radio in San Diego as Director of Corporate Development. Before that, she was an independent fundraising and communications consultant, specializing in the areas of health and human services (Arthritis Foundation), environmental fundraising (Genesee Valley Land Trust) and the arts (Young Audiences of Rochester). Judy earned her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) distinction through the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, received a number of national and regional awards for her work for public broadcasting in Rochester and San Diego, and served on several statewide and international planning teams for The Nature Conservancy.
"I am honored to join the terrific RPO team and look forward to moving forward its comprehensive development program and special fundraising initiatives,” says Lemoncelli. “It will be a privilege to be part of the RPO’s strategic plan to strengthen and enhance all aspects of fund development."
In addition, Deborah C. Bleier was appointed in November 2013 to the newly created position of Director of Institutional Giving. As part of the RPO Board’s authorization of an expansion of the Development Department, Bleier leads the organization’s corporate, foundation and government fundraising activities and relationships. Bleier was previously Director of Advancement/Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross, Finger Lakes Region. Her 20 years of fundraising experience includes key positions at R.I.T., the University of Rochester Medical Center, Lifetime Assistance and Telecomp.
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its founding in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 200,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Notable former music directors include Eugene Goossens, José Iturbi, Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman; Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his 20-year tenure with the RPO. With Michael Butterman as Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) – the first position of its kind in the country – the RPO reaches more than 13,000 children through its specific programs for school-aged children. The RPO’s 2013-14 season highlights include Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik’s 20th anniversary celebration, and a performance at Carnegie Hall on May 7, 2014, as part of the Spring For Music festival.
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