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VOCALESSENCE ELECTS SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
Award-winning nonprofit organization adds members of Twin Cities business, arts, and education communities to its Board of Directors to serve as ambassadors and guides 

MINNEAPOLIS—September 14, 2021—VocalEssence, the award-winning choral organization known for both the artistic quality of its vocal ensembles and the civic impact of its community-engagement programs, welcomes seven new members to its board of directors this September.  Broadening the diversity of the board’s membership with these new voices provides VocalEssence with valuable insights and the potential for fresh connections between the organization and the wider Twin Cities community. 

“This new group has me brimming with excitement about the future,” says Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder, VocalEssence. “We’re in our second half-century as an organization, so the spirit and energy of our board members is vital. VocalEssence is known around the world, but the secret to our longevity is our grounding in one place, this place, the Twin Cities community. Coming from a diverse range of backgrounds this board knows our community deeply, and can help us innovate as we evolve and grow. With these new voices, we will continue to make beautiful music!” 

The new board members are: 

Cassie Garnett, Senior Director of Human Resources at Ecolab. Garnett drives strategic talent initiatives for the global function of more than 1,200 employees in areas of development, diversity, organizational design and employee relations. Since joining Ecolab in 2005, she has served in a variety of capacities including compensation, talent acquisition, benefits and HR business partner roles across multiple businesses, functions, and centers of excellence.    

Valton Henderson, contract HR and DEI professional on behalf of Robert Half International. He holds over 20 years’ experience in employee and labor relations and DEI across the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. He serves on the VocalEssence WITNESS Advisory Council, and has sung with Sabathani Vintage Voices.  

Alfred Moore, returning member to the board of directors. The retired president of Fiserv Health, he headed the management buy-out of Wausau Benefits from Liberty Mutual and was named CEO prior to the sale to Fiserv. Moore is also involved with Labrynth Healthcare Inc., American Players Theatre, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the American Composers Forum.  

Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, Superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools. Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed has served for two decades in public education, beginning as a social studies teacher, then continuing on as an assistant principal and principal. The superintendent since 2016, her leadership helped Hopkins create a bold plan to go from great to world class through a community-designed strategic plan. Through Vision 2031, she leads a reimagining of Hopkins Public Schools starting from the ground up.  

Jeff Smith, Vice President for External Relations at Vista Prairie Communities. A storyteller and relationship builder, Jeff supports VCP’s nonprofit network of nine senior living communities in four states. His previous experience includes directing communications for Volunteers for America—Minnesota and Wisconsin, one of the oldest and largest health and human services organizations in the region.  

Kristina Rodel Sorum, mezzo-soprano and VocalEssence Ensemble Singers representative. A nonprofit professional maintaining careers in the arts and arts leadership, Rodel Sorum currently serves as Admissions and Program Director of Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. Through this work, she has been privileged to see a generation of high school musicians go through this life-changing program and continue to successful collegiate studies, careers, and vocations in music.  

Tim Takach, composer. Celebrated for his melodic lines, thoughtful text choices, and rich, intriguing harmonies, Takach’s star is fast-rising in the concert world. He has received commissions and performances from Roomful of Teeth, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, St. Olaf Band, Cantus, Pavia Winds, Lorelei Ensemble, VocalEssence, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, The Rose Ensemble, and numerous other organizations. 

For more information on the VocalEssence board of directors and their work, visit https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/board-of-directors/.   

VocalEssence, the choral ensemble Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones says “sings magnificently,”reaches thousands of students, singers, and composers each year through its learning and engagement programs, contests, and support for innovative art. VocalEssence was founded in 1969 and has debuted more than 300 commissions and world premieres. For more information, visit www.vocalessence.org.    

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