Board of Directors
CSYSA is proud to have annual support from 100% off its board members.
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2024 - 2025
Richard Wood, President
Rich is a local attorney in private practice whose experience in community service includes ten years as a Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Care and Share Food Bank, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, and the District 20 Education Foundation. Rich is an avid patron and supporter of the local arts, a season subscriber with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and TheatreWorks, a music lover, a very bad strummer of simple guitar chords, and an even worse singer.
Jim Mahoney, Vice President
Consultant and Trainer, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), Retired Academy School District #20 Administrator and music consumer.
Cheryl Schwartz, Treasurer
Grew up in St. Louis, has lived in Colorado Springs since 1990. Avid bridge player, amateur singer and serial board member. Raised 2 children who were both involved in music. Active in the Arts community. Now enjoys spending time with the grandchildren and keeping busy.
Melissa Foster, Secretary
A retired career educator in both elementary and secondary schools, and is a committed advocate for music education and performance experiences for young people. She is a trustee with the Palmer Land Trust, is a committed community participant and is active in her church.
Amanda Schroeder, Parent Council Chair
A 5th generation Coloradan but, having a restless mother and then becoming an Army brat, she has also lived in PA, NY, MD, Germany, GA, AL, and ID. Her musical talents include, singing “well” if the car stereo is loud enough and playing flute in high school. Amanda has volunteered with CSYSA since camp in 2019. Amanda has two kids. Her daughter just started college to become a nurse and her son is a junior in high school. Her son has worked his way up from the Mozart String Project to Ovation.
Ellie Bontrager
Music lover and parent of two CSYSA alumni. She also coordinates the Limon Community blood drive.
Cindy Fesgen
A retired D20 elementary principal of an arts integration school, Cindy believes in the power of music education. She is a painter, poet, and singer who enjoys being a part of the creative Colorado Springs community. She continues to serve children as a lunch lady and substitute teacher.
Gary Foote
Outreach Committee Chair, moved to the Springs following a NYC career in marketing/ new product development with Lever Brothers, Clairol, and global confectioner Ferrero. Gary sings in the Broadmoor Community Church Choir.
Stephen Hock
Retired music educator (Band, Choir, Orchestra) in School Districts #11, #20, and #38) for 53 years in the Pikes Peak Region. Presently on the music staff of First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. Past member of the Colorado Springs Symphony and the Pueblo Symphony. Interest include cycling, fly fishing, hiking, reading and travel. Lives in Palmer Lake with wife, Carolyn.
Nancy Pittman
Nancy is a past CSYSA board president, past president of Philharmonic Guild and a community volunteer.
David Schwartz
Raised in NYC, David came to love the performing and visual arts at an early age. He and Cheryl have been strong supporters of many local arts organizations since the early 90’s. Their son played with CSYSA; their daughter sang with Children’s Chorale. Now, retired from medical practice, David continues to stay busy with family, friends, music, theater, and stuff.
Bruce Latimer
Bruce is a retired Verizon Business programmer, and had a previous Air Force career ending as principal clarinetist in the Academy Band. All three sons were active in music in school; two were active in Youth Symphony. The youngest son teaches elementary music. Bruce volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys woodworking as a hobby.
Deborah Liles, Executive Director (non-voting)
Gary Nicholson, Music Director (non-voting)
