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Appoints Karin Stone VP

The xxxx��Ƶ (xxxx��Ƶ) today announced organizational changes intended to more closely align its corporate structure with its vision “to be the center for the education of the complete musician of the 21st century.”

President Joel Smirnoff explained, “We have combined the offices of development, marketing and concert and events to create the office of institutional advancement which will be led by a new vice president. It is the right time to bring together, better integrate and elevate these important functions in support of our strategic plan.”

xxxx��Ƶ also announced that Karin Stone has joined the staff as vice president for institutional advancement, effective June 18, 2012. Ms. Stone has served on the Board of Trustees of xxxx��Ƶ for nearly 10 years and led the 2010-2015 strategic planning process. She brings marketing, branding and leadership experience, primarily in the areas of finance and banking. Ms. Stone served as chief marketing officer for National City Corporation. Before that she held senior leadership roles at American Express, Ford Motor Company and Walker Digital. For the past three years, she consulted with non-profit organizations as principal of Stone Strategy Group, LLC. Additionally, Ms. Stone serves on the boards of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture and the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and was on the board of her alma mater. Ms. Stone earned a BA from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

President Smirnoff commented, “Karin has already been a game changer for the xxxx��Ƶ. Her positive interactions at all levels of the institution, in addition to her excellence and expertise, make her an ideal choice for this new leadership position at xxxx��Ƶ.”

The new organizational design is expected to improve communications, speed decision-making and increase collaboration.

“I am honored to have served xxxx��Ƶ as a trustee and am excited to now take on this new role,” said Ms. Stone. “I look forward to working with the accomplished faculty and staff, the trustees, donors and broader community to expand the reach and impact of xxxx��Ƶ to achieve our vision.”