Music for Seniors has announced the appointment of Liz Kelly as its new Executive Director effective immediately. Based in Nashville, Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and development, coupled with a true passion for the power of music and intergenerational community engagement. Kelly has held previous development roles at such organizations as Blood:Water, The Journey Home, the City Mission of Schenectady, and served as Executive Director at Alpha Pregnancy Care Center.
Lucia Folk, Board Chair of Music for Seniors, remarked: “After a thorough executive search process, we are delighted to welcome Liz Kelly to the Music for Seniors family. Her wealth of diverse experience, coupled with her love for music and commitment to community engagement, makes her an ideal leader for our organization.”
“I am thrilled to join Music for Seniors and excited to apply myself to this role,” said Kelly. “My lived experiences – both personal and professional – have prepared me to lead this team into the future and, together, we will grow Music for Seniors to the next level of community impact.”
Kelly’s connection to music began at the tender age of five, when her parents rescued an upright piano from a family barn. This early start blossomed into a love for playing, especially during her teenage years when she accompanied her pastor father on monthly visits to local senior living communities. There, she played piano for residents, fostering a lifelong appreciation for engaging older adults through music.
Kelly’s appointment concludes a two-year transition period after the departure of Music for Seniors’ founding executive director, Sarah Martin McConnell. This deliberate approach to hiring a new Executive Director was implemented by the Board of Directors and led by Interim Executive Director and consultant Rob Jack, who was charged with creating a short term strategic plan to strengthen Music for Seniors’ infrastructure, and preparing the organization for new leadership.