The Board of Directors of the Heifetz International Music Institute (HIMI) announced today the appointment of Elizabeth McGuire as the organization’s next Executive Director. McGuire will assume the role on October 1, 2026, succeeding Benjamin K. Roe, who is retiring after twelve years of visionary, dedicated, and consequential leadership.

McGuire joins the Heifetz Institute following a distinguished tenure as Executive Director of the Colorado Music Festival and Center for Musical Arts, where she successfully led a nationally recognized summer music festival and year-round community music school through a period of remarkable organizational growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the organization more than doubled its annual operating revenue while significantly expanding philanthropy, strengthening governance, modernizing operations, and advancing long-term strategic priorities. She also guided substantial investments in artistic programming and music education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and institutional sustainability.

McGuire brings nearly two decades of executive leadership experience spanning orchestras, music festivals, arts education organizations, and community-based cultural institutions. Prior to leading the Colorado Music Festival and Center for Musical Arts, she served as Executive Director of both the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Association and held leadership positions with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestras. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to supporting musicians, strengthening arts organizations, and expanding access to transformative musical experiences. Nicholas Kitchen, Artistic Director of the Heifetz International Music Institute, expresses his excitement to begin work with Elizabeth: “In our first meeting, we quickly achieved a rapport of working collaboration to remain true to the mission of the Heifetz Institute and advance it to even broader impact.”

McGuire’s appointment is the culmination of a nationwide search led by Search Committee Co-Chairs and Board Members Dr. Pamela Fox and Amy Tang Seto. The Institute partnered with ZRG Aspen Leadership Group to identify an accomplished and visionary leader with the experience, passion, and collaborative leadership style to build upon the Institute’s remarkable legacy. Search Co-chairs Fox and Seto highlight that “we are extremely fortunate that Elizabeth’s impressive background aligns with the next chapter for the Heifetz International Music Institute.”

Board Chair Bruce Rosenblum emphasizes the significance of this moment as the institute embarks upon its fourth decade: “This is a milestone in the distinguished history of the Heifetz International Music Institute. Elizabeth is distinctively qualified to lead Heifetz to enhanced levels of reputation and impact. She brings depth of experience and a passionate commitment to the Institute’s artistic mission and to its home in Staunton, Virginia.”

Elizabeth will be relocating to Staunton and ready to assume her new position on October 1 with the support of Benjamin Roe, who will become President Emeritus. “I am honored to join this legacy and eager to work together with Nick and the Board to shape the fourth decade of the Heifetz International Music Institute. I am drawn to the mission and to the vibrant cultural community of Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley. Together we will broaden our sphere of influence and support and fuel the pipeline of classical music around the world.”