MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, Minn. — October 20, 2025 — VocalEssence, one of the nation’s premier choral organizations and a cornerstone of Minnesota’s cultural landscape for 57 years, has officially announced the appointment of five distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors. The incoming cohort brings a multifaceted array of expertise spanning arts administration, digital media, public school arts curriculum, strategic organizational development, and dance choreography.
The appointment comes at a pivotal juncture for the non-profit organization as it seeks to strengthen community ties, expand digital outreach, and bolster financial sustainability across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond. The new board members—Ryan French, Novelli Jurado, Lori Ledoux, Dr. Kristin Morris, and Eve Schulte—will serve as civic ambassadors and fiduciary stewards, guiding major policy decisions and supporting VocalEssence’s mission to explore, prepare, and perform choral music that inspires and unites diverse communities.
Executive Overview
Founded in 1968, VocalEssence has grown from a visionary regional ensemble into an internationally recognized non-profit performing arts organization. Managing a complex operational ecosystem comprising premier performance ensembles, educational initiatives, and community engagement programs, VocalEssence relies on a dynamic Board of Directors to maintain fiscal health, establish strategic policies, and serve as an institutional bridge to the broader public.
The election of these five professionals reflects a deliberate board diversification and recruitment strategy aimed at addressing the evolving landscape of arts management in the post-pandemic era. By integrating C-suite executives from leading arts institutions, veteran public education administrators, digital media pioneers, and nationally recognized organizational development consultants, VocalEssence strengthens its operational resilience while enhancing its capacity to engage new audiences.
Key Governance Appointments:
- Ryan French: Managing Director, Children’s Theatre Company
- Novelli Jurado: Founder & Executive Producer, Novart Media; Composer
- Lori Ledoux: K–12 Arts Content Lead, Minneapolis Public Schools
- Dr. Kristin Morris: Principal Consultant, Genesis Consulting Services, LLC
- Eve Schulte: Arts Administrator, Choreographer, and Educator
Detailed Chronology: Five Decades of Cultural Stewardship
To contextualize this governance expansion, it is necessary to examine the organizational trajectory of VocalEssence over its 57-year history.
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| VOCALESSENCE TIMELINE |
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| 1968: Founded as Plymouth Music Series by Philip Brunelle |
| 2002: Rebranded as VocalEssence to reflect expanding regional and global scope |
| 2008: Launch of ¡Cantaré! initiative, connecting Mexican composers with local youth|
| 2020–2024: Navigated pandemic disruptions through digital innovation & restructuring |
| Oct 2025: Board expansion adding 5 major civic, media, and educational leaders |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+The Early Years (1968–2000)
Established in 1968 by Artistic Director Philip Brunelle as the Plymouth Music Series, the organization initially operated as an outreach ministry of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. Over the next three decades, the ensemble transformed into an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, earning national acclaim for programming rare choral masterworks, commissioning new compositions, and championing underrepresented musical traditions.
Modernization and Name Change (2002–2019)
In 2002, the organization officially changed its name to VocalEssence to better communicate its core artistic vision. During this era, the board expanded its strategic horizon by establishing signature community programs, most notably ¡Cantaré!—an initiative bringing composers-in-residence from Mexico into Minnesota schools and community choirs—and WITNESS, celebrating the contributions of African American creators to classical music.
Adaptability and Governance Evolution (2020–2025)
The early 2020s presented unprecedented challenges to performing arts institutions worldwide. VocalEssence responded by accelerating digital content creation, enhancing virtual educational toolkits, and re-evaluating governance structures to emphasize resilience, equity, and strategic foresight. The October 20, 2025 appointment of French, Jurado, Ledoux, Morris, and Schulte represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to build an agile, cross-disciplinary governing body equipped for the organization’s next era.
Supporting Context & Metrics: Individual Profiles and Strategic Alignment
The addition of these five professionals brings a mix of technical skill, executive leadership, and deep roots in the Upper Midwest’s cultural and educational sectors.
1. Ryan French: Executive Oversight & Capital Advancement
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| RYAN FRENCH |
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| Current Role: Managing Director, Children's Theatre Company |
| Past Roles: Advancement VP (Univ. of St. Thomas), Director of Marketing |
| (Walker Art Center), Leadership (SPCO, Univ. of MN) |
| Education: MBA (University of Minnesota), BA in Music (St. Olaf) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+Ryan French joins the board with extensive experience in non-profit arts management and higher education fundraising. As Managing Director of the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis, French oversees administrative and operational functions, including finance, legal affairs, development, human resources, facilities, marketing, and community partnerships.
French’s career includes high-level administrative roles across major Minnesota institutions. He served as Associate Vice President of Advancement and Campaign Director at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where he spearheaded major capital campaigns. Prior to that, he led audience outreach as Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Walker Art Center and held administrative roles with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the University of Minnesota.
- Strategic Impact: French’s deep knowledge of regional philanthropy, board relations, capital campaigns, and theater operations brings valuable expertise to VocalEssence’s finance and development committees.
- Academic Credentials: MBA with a focus on marketing and non-profit management from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota; Bachelor of Arts in Music from St. Olaf College.
2. Novelli Jurado: Digital Innovation, Media, and Artistic Continuity
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| NOVELLI JURADO |
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| Current Role: Founder & Executive Producer, Novart Media |
| Experience: 25+ yrs in music composition, audio engineering, media |
| Highlights: 3-time VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Composer-in-Residence; |
| Scored "Attractio" (Bandai Namco/PlayStation); AES Board |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+Novelli Jurado brings a 25-year background spanning classical composition, international audio production, and digital agency leadership. Jurado’s relationship with VocalEssence is longstanding; he was selected three separate times (2012, 2014, and 2017) as Composer-in-Residence for VocalEssence’s ¡Cantaré! program, designing cross-cultural educational residencies across Twin Cities, Rochester, and Chicago schools. His connection to the organization is personal as well: during his 2013 residency, he met his wife, Michelle, and their 2016 civil ceremony was officiated by VocalEssence founder Philip Brunelle.
Jurado’s artistic roster includes international tours alongside Brazilian jazz icon Milton Nascimento, recording collaborations with pianist Lang Lang, and scoring Attractio (2015), the first Latin American video game distributed globally by Bandai Namco for PlayStation and Steam platforms. He also co-founded the Lanzilotti Concert Choir in Mexico City and served on the board of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Mexico. In 2020, Jurado launched Novart Media, a minority-owned creative agency providing strategic storytelling, media production, and digital content for entities such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Secoya Health, and VocalEssence itself.
- Strategic Impact: Jurado’s combination of technological acumen, creative storytelling, and personal alignment with VocalEssence’s international residencies helps position the organization to navigate digital content expansion and global artist collaborations.
3. Lori Ledoux: K–12 Arts Policy & Educational Access
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| LORI LEDOUX |
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| Current Role: K-12 Arts Content Lead, Minneapolis Public Schools |
| Background: 16 years in MPS public education; Volunteer Firefighter/ |
| EMT for the City of Waconia |
| Education: BA Dance (UMN), M.T. & Ed.S. (MSU Mankato) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+Lori Ledoux brings 16 years of public school experience to the board, serving as the K–12 Arts Content Lead for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). In this capacity, Ledoux oversees curriculum design, specialist support, and instructional quality across dance, theater, music, media arts, and visual arts for one of Minnesota’s largest urban school districts.
Ledoux is known for building public-private arts partnerships that bring teaching artists into urban classrooms and provide structured professional development for certified educators. Beyond her educational leadership, she serves her local community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the City of Waconia.
- Strategic Impact: As public education landscapes evolve, Ledoux’s insight into school district operations, equitable access metrics, and arts integration provides clear guidance for VocalEssence’s educational outreach programs, including WITNESS and youth music access initiatives.
- Academic Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities; Master of Teaching, K–12 Dance Licensure, and Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) with K–12 Principal Licensure from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
4. Dr. Kristin Morris: Organizational Development, Equity & Strategic Facilitation
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| DR. KRISTIN MORRIS |
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| Current Role: Owner & Principal Consultant, Genesis Consulting Services |
| Experience: 20+ years in executive coaching & performance improvement |
| Leadership: NSBA Leadership Council, Capella Univ. Board, UMN CEHD |
| Awards: Marquis Who's Who (2023-24), MSP Business Journal Honoree |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+Dr. Kristin Morris is an award-winning organizational development consultant, performance improvement strategist, and executive coach with over two decades of experience guiding corporate, non-profit, and academic institutions. As Principal Consultant at Genesis Consulting Services, LLC, Dr. Morris specializes in strategic planning, change management, team cohesion, and belonging frameworks.
In addition to her consulting practice, Dr. Morris teaches leadership development in the Master of Organizational Learning program at St. Catherine University. Her governance experience includes serving on the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) Executive Leadership Council, the Board of Directors for Capella University’s School of Public Health, and the Board of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
- Strategic Impact: Dr. Morris brings expertise in institutional effectiveness, executive coaching, change management, and strategic goal setting—skills directly applicable to board governance and long-term organizational planning.
- Recognitions & Education: Honored with the 2023 Alumni Award of Excellence from UMN CEHD, named a 2023 Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal Women in Business Honoree, and inducted into the 2023–2024 Marquis Who’s Who in America. She holds a B.S. and M.Ed. in Human Resource Development and Adult Education from the University of Minnesota, and an Ed.D. in Performance Improvement Leadership from Capella University.
5. Eve Schulte: Interdisciplinary Performing Arts Management & Legacy Transitions
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| EVE SCHULTE |
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| Current Role: Arts Administrator, Educator, Choreographer |
| Past Roles: Executive Director & Artistic Associate (James Sewell |
| Ballet), Company Dancer (MN Dance Theatre) |
| Credentials: UMN Theatre Arts & Dance Faculty; MN Sage Award Nominee |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+Eve Schulte brings a well-rounded perspective as a performing artist, dance educator, and executive administrator. Schulte began her career with Minnesota Dance Theatre before joining James Sewell Ballet in 2009, where she rose through the ranks to serve as Artistic Associate (2017–2020) and Executive Director (2020–2025), successfully guiding the organization through its planned sunsetting process.
Her artistic resume spans collaborations with physical theater group Live Action Set, an artist residency at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and teaching at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Her choreography—featured alongside the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus—earned a 2016 Minnesota Sage Award nomination for Outstanding Performance. Since 2017, Schulte has served on the faculty of the University of Minnesota’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
- Strategic Impact: Schulte offers practical insight into cross-disciplinary performance, artistic transitions, and organizational management, giving VocalEssence a nuanced perspective on artist relations, collaborative programming, and institutional stewardship.
- Academic Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Minnesota.
Official Statements
The leadership of VocalEssence emphasized the strategic value of welcoming five distinct perspectives to its governing body.
"I’m delighted to welcome our new board members to the organization," said Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director and Founder of VocalEssence. "Our mission is to unite our community in song, and each one of our new board members creates an opportunity we deeply value—to connect with the new voices and new networks that are always growing in the place we’ve called home for more than half a century. Serving on our board is a generous contribution of time, skill, and spirit, and we know these incredible professionals have insights and perspectives that will enhance VocalEssence beyond measure."
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| BOARD CAPABILITIES MATRIX |
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| Board Member | Arts Admin & Exec | K-12 & Higher Ed | Digital Media |
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| Ryan French | [X] | [X] | |
| Novelli Jurado | | | [X] |
| Lori Ledoux | | [X] | |
| Dr. Kristin Morris | [X] | [X] | |
| Eve Schulte | [X] | [X] | |
+---------------------+-------------------+------------------+---------------+Future Outlook: Strategic Priorities for 2025 and Beyond
With the addition of French, Jurado, Ledoux, Morris, and Schulte, the VocalEssence Board of Directors is positioned to execute several long-term strategic initiatives aimed at sustaining artistic growth and civic relevance.
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| STRATEGIC PRIORITIES (2025–2030) |
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| 1. AUDIENCE EXPANSION: Leveraging digital media platforms for broader reach|
| 2. EDUCATIONAL INTEGRATION: Strengthening connections with K-12 schools |
| 3. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY: Enhancing endowment growth and multi-channel revenue|
| 4. DIVERSE PROGRAMMING: Expanding cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+Digital Infrastructure and Content Monetization
Guided by Jurado’s experience in digital strategy and media production, VocalEssence aims to expand its reach beyond traditional venue walls. Plans include developing high-definition streaming programs, interactive digital learning tools for public schools, and archived performances designed for international dissemination.
Institutional Resilience and Governance Maturity
With insights from Dr. Morris and Ryan French, the board plans to refine its internal operations, succession plans, and long-range capital strategies. These efforts aim to ensure the organization maintains strong financial reserves, adaptable governance models, and robust institutional support across shifting economic landscapes.
Expanding K–12 and University Partnerships
Building on the expertise of Ledoux and Schulte, VocalEssence seeks to expand its engagement with local educational systems. By integrating singing programs directly into K–12 arts curricula and deepening higher education connections, VocalEssence works to ensure that access to choral music remains accessible to young people throughout the region.
As VocalEssence enters its 58th year, this expanded leadership team reinforces the organization’s commitment to civic engagement, artistic excellence, and financial stability, helping ensure that its work continues to resonate across Minnesota and the national arts community for decades to come.
