I hope you enjoyed the holidays and that your new year is off to a great start. A new year often brings change, and I am writing to share the news that Rockport Music President and CEO Tony Beadle has announced his decision to retire after 14 years of leading Rockport Music. His last day at Rockport Music will be May 31.

Tony has done an extraordinary job since joining Rockport Music as its Executive Director at the beginning of 2010 when the Shalin Liu Performance Center first opened. Partnering with the Board of Trustees, donors, patrons and staff, he has helped to create a thriving, dynamic and fiscally sound organization, while never losing sight of Rockport Music’s mission. 

Tony Beadle’s achievements are numerous but some major highlights include building an outstanding and dedicated staff and helping create a fiscally stable organization with financial reserves by working with the Trustees and staff to raise over $30 million across two major campaigns. Additional highlights of his tenure include:

• Leading the expansion and growth of the organization from a 5-week chamber music festival to a year-round performing arts presenter hosting over 150 concerts and events each year
• Managing the final phase of construction of the Shalin Liu Performance Center and the successful opening to rave reviews from national press and audiences
• Undertaking a major strategic planning process and the initial phase of its implementation
• Leading the organization through the pandemic and the successful return to pre-pandemic level of activities
• Acquisition and move of the administrative offices to 16 Main Street
• Establishing Rockport Music and the Shalin Liu Performance Center as a premier arts presenter in New England
  

A Search Committee, headed by Board member and Chair of the Governance Committee Gregg Kvistad, has been formed to find Tony’s replacement. The other members of the Search Committee are Ed Becker, Mollie Byrnes, Nina Doggett, Sandy Jesse, Doug Rich, Linda Walker and myself. 

Rockport Music has a history of embracing change, and I have every confidence that we will be successful in entering this new phase of leadership. Thank you for your support as we begin this important new chapter. 

Sincerely,