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OJAI FESTIVALS, LTD. ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
Board Elects Esther Wachtell as President for the 2009-2010 year

(September 18, 2009) -- Entering its 2009-2010 season, the internationally acclaimed Ojai Music Festival recently announced important leadership changes at the organization’s Annual General Meeting for donors and special guests.

Christine T. Drucker was thanked for her service as President for the past two years and her dedication to the Festival in several other leadership positions over the past twelve years, including President of the Ojai Festival Women's Committee. Judith Rosen, Vice President of Governance, announced that Esther Wachtell has been elected and accepted the position of President for Ojai Festivals, Ltd.

Ms. Wachtell is an Ojai Valley resident and has served on other non-profit organization board of directors including the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Museum of Ventura County. Previously she was principal of the Wachtell Group. She has been on the Festival Board of Directors or Board of Governors since 2003.
In addition, Ms. Rosen announced the following new members of the Board of Directors: Elisa Callow, Suzy Casey, Ruth Eliel, Cathryn Krause, Stephen J.M. Morris, and Jeanne Wanless.

Ms. Wachtell stated "the Festival's Board of Directors is committed to furthering the innovative artistic legacy of the Festival through Artistic Director Tom Morris' vision, as well as working with the City of Ojai to re-build Libbey Bowl."
Jeffrey P. Haydon, Executive Director, announced the following two important staff changes:

Anna Cho, former development director of the Festival, accepted the new position of director of special projects. In her new role, she will manage the Save Libbey Bowl capital campaign which includes working with the Ojai community in raising the final $1 million to rebuild Ojai’s Libbey Bowl, home of the Music Festival since the 1950s. Ms. Cho will also handle all fundraising events including a spring gala featuring pianist Jeremy Denk at the Broad Center in Santa Monica on March 28, 2010.

Taking over as the new Director of Development is Sheri Broedlow. She held the position of major gifts officer/ board relations at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Prior to this, Ms. Broedlow was with the Music Academy of the West for over five years as director of annual giving. Ms. Broedlow brings a depth and breadth of development experience with her to help ensure the Festival raises the funds needed to further its artistic and educational work.
During the meeting, Mr. Haydon thanked the over 200 volunteers and staff members that produce the Festival and its BRAVO! education program.

Thomas W. Morris, Artistic Director, presented a preview of the 2010 Festival, slated for June 10 to 13, which will feature British composer/conductor George Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin is the 64th music director and will celebrate the works of Ojai alumni including Pierre Boulez, Oliver Knussen, Olivier Messiaen, and Igor Stravinsky. Joining Mr. Benjamin will be the Frankfurter-based Ensemble Modern. For more information on the Festival or for series tickets, visit OjaiFestival.org or call (805) 646-2094.