We are pleased to announce the appointment of Nondi Orazi as the new Executive Director of Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago (formerly the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus), and the addition of Margo Stedman to the Anima Staff as Marketing Director.  The Board of Directors made their selection after a comprehensive search.  Ms. Orazi replaces Priscilla Smith who retired as Executive Director in June after 8 years of committed and outstanding service to Anima’s mission.

 

Ms. Orazi steps into the Executive Director role after serving as Interim Executive Director.  She had previously served as Anima’s Development Manager for six years.  As Development Manager, Ms. Orazi helped the Chorus increase revenues from major fundraising events and individual donors. Prior to her employment with Anima, Nondi was an active chorus volunteer for 12 years and served on its Board of Directors. Ms. Orazi has a 20 year background in non-profit management, grant writing, and development and has her graduate degree in non-profit administration from the University of Michigan. 

 

Margo Stedman joins the Anima team as Marketing Director. Ms. Stedman has an extensive background in arts marketing with a specialization in choruses. She has previously worked at Chorus America in Washington, DC, and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, in Winter Park, FL, and currently works with Spire Chamber Ensemble in Kansas City, MO, in addition to her role with Anima.

 

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Nondi as Executive Director, and Margo as Marketing Director,” said William J. Hupp, Board President. “Under the leadership of Nondi and Artistic Director Emily Ellsworth, we will continue Anima’s unique legacy of excellence in service to children and community through outstanding music education and choral singing.” 

 

Anima’s mission is to transform young lives through excellence in music education and choral singing. Founded on the belief that all children are inherently musical and that music vitally enriches the quality of life, Anima strives to discover, nurture and develop the “artist in every child.” Serving the community through song since 1964, Anima is widely recognized for its musical excellence, effective educational philosophy, and outreach programs that bring rich educational and cultural opportunities to area youth.