As we embrace the fresh fall air, we find ourselves preparing for new beginnings here at Hochstein. With leadership changes, staff hires, and welcoming new faculty and students amongst us – we are grounded in gratitude with a shared love for music and dance as we look ahead.
This new chapter begins with a transition in leadership. It is with bittersweet feelings that we will be bidding farewell to President & Executive Director Hilary Respass, who will be leaving Hochstein at the end of September. Since July 2022, Hilary has led the expansion of community partnerships and engagement, increased enrollment, helped grow the Tuition Assistance & Community Access program, and prompted the completion of an updated facilities assessment necessary for the longevity and sustainability of our historic building. She will be passing the baton to Dr. Gary Palmer (currently Vice President & Dean), who will serve as Interim President & Executive Director starting September 25. As a talented educator and manager since joining the organization in 2001, Gary brings invaluable experience and knowledge of Hochstein to this appointment.
“It has been a true honor to lead this incredible school during a significant transition and even more of a delight to see so much incredible teaching in action, witness so many performances, and meet so many wonderful students and families. I look forward to seeing Hochstein continue to thrive under Dr. Palmer’s leadership,” Hilary shared.
Incoming Board Chair Eric Logan added, “We are grateful to Hilary Respass for her strategic vision, her deep commitment to Hochstein, and her success in building a strong foundation for our future. We also enthusiastically look forward to working with Dr. Palmer as we continue to serve this community through the transformative power of arts education. The future continues to be bright for Hochstein!”
Hochstein is also experiencing growth within its administrative staff. Gwen Green (formerly Paker – she got married!) has been promoted to Director of Development and several talented professionals have recently joined the team including:
• Jay Stracke, Director of Marketing & Communications
• Jan Adil, Institutional Giving Manager
• Carl Galland, Ensemble Coordinator & Dean Assistant
Please join us in thanking Hilary for her lasting contributions to Hochstein, congratulating Gary on his well-deserved appointment, applauding Gwen for her promotion, and welcoming Jay, Jan, and Carl to the Hochstein community.
No matter what change occurs within our walls, our vision of ensuring access to quality music and dance education to all who are interested throughout the Greater Rochester region remains constant. Music, dance, and therapeutic arts change lives, and what an incredible honor it is to be able to witness this everyday here at Hochstein.