press release july 2010
(< Return to Press Releases)Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) Names Kathy Thibodeaux Interim Executive Director
(Mountain View, CA) The board of directors of the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) has named Kathy Thibodeaux as interim executive director. Thibodeaux has 25 years of executive-level leadership experience in the private and non-profit sectors. As a past chair and vice-chair of CSMA’s board and past president of the Mountain View Educational Foundation, she has a strong understanding of CSMA’s programs and mission, as well as a commitment to arts education.
“CSMA is fortunate to have Kathy Thibodeaux assume leadership of CSMA at this time,” said Mike Couch, board chair. “Her broad knowledge of the school and the community it serves will ensure a smooth transition and continuity as we work to find a permanent director.” Couch added that an executive search committee will be formed to identify candidates to lead the school. Earlier this month, Jeffry Walker stepped down as executive director, having served in the position for the past 3½ years.
"Innovation is central to our future as a society, and we can't innovate if we can't think creatively. Music and art are among the purest forms of creative expression, and education in these disciplines has never been more important," said Kathy Thibodeaux. "With its 42-year track record, CSMA is vital to ensuring that high-quality music and art education are available in our schools and to people of all walks of life regardless of income or ability" she said. "The time is now for our community to re-double its effort, along with our school's excellent faculty, staff, and board of directors, by investing in CSMA for the benefit of all. I am thrilled to support that effort," she said.
Thibodeaux holds an MBA and a Certificate in Public Management from Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, as well as a BA in History from Occidental College in Los Angeles. In 2006, she founded KM Thibodeaux Consulting, a Bay Area-based strategic leadership and government affairs company offering expertise in Interim CEO services including strategy, fundraising, leadership development, program management and financial oversight.
Her professional experience includes serving as: chief executive officer, Tri-County Apartment Association; executive director, Cupertino Chamber of Commerce; vice president, property management, The Irvine Company Apartment Communities; and public affairs manager, Intel Corporation. As a motivational speaker and executive coach, Thibodeaux has worked with leaders to develop the necessary strategic planning and messaging to take organizations to the next level of growth and accomplishment.
As a community activist and volunteer, during Thibodeaux’s tenure as president of the Mountain View Educational Foundation, the organization enjoyed 50% revenue growth. Her past community service includes membership on the board of directors of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, and Housing Industry Foundation.
Thibodeaux is the recipient of many awards in recognition of her contributions and commitment to education, government relations, and the community in which she lives and works. In 2008 she received the Commitment to Excellence Award from the Mountain View Whisman School District for outstanding leadership as the district’s educational foundation president. She has also been recognized by the San Jose Business Journal at its annual event honoring the Most Influential Women in Business in Silicon Valley.
The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), a non-profit arts education center founded in 1968, is committed to providing arts for all, regardless of age, level or financial means. The school reaches more than 40,000 people of all ages, from preschool through adult, yearly through: private music lessons; music, visual and new media classes and camps; in-school programs; lectures and concerts (in Tateuchi Hall); exhibitions (in Mohr Gallery); community outreach events; and a generous financial aid program. CSMA is located at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. For information about CSMA, see www.arts4all.org or call 650-917-6800.