A Farewell Letter to Departing Board President Jeff Boarini

It is with deep gratitude that we bid Jeff Boarini farewell as our Board President. When Jeff joined our board in 2018, Arts of Life was at a critical moment of growth. With the launch of the Artist Enterprise Program in 2017, we were entering a new era of public engagement and public partnerships. 

Jeff brought a strong commitment to the mission and vision of Arts of Life. His experience as an Arts of Life volunteer and family member, along with his career in the corporate sector and his past board experience at other nonprofits set him up to have an immediate impact on our work. 

According to board member Bryan Bienias, “We’ve come a long way and wouldn’t have made it nearly as far without Jeff’s efforts.” Board member Swarna Rao added, “Jeff’s commitment and seal has been very motivating. I thank him for his leadership.”

During his tenure, Jeff played an essential role in helping to strengthen our board, recruiting new board members, establishing clear expectations of all current and new board members, activating five board committees (governance; finance; development; art; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access), and strengthening the financial oversight of the swiftly growing organization. 

Jeff is leaving the board in great hands. Rachel Hite has stepped in as Interim Board President. According to Executive Director Denise Fisher, “Rachel will bring a fresh energy and perspective to the board. Her strong connections with the art community and work on the Development Committee have placed her in a prime position to help advance Arts of Life’s strategic goals over the upcoming year.”

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