Sounds Academy Leadership Additions for FY2023

We here at SOUNDS Academy are excited to announce additions to our leadership this fiscal year! Robert Donat, Eddie Gonzalez, Selma Babic, Wendy Manley, and Steven Mountjoy have recently joined the existing Board of Directors and Committees to help us succeed. Forest Melton is the new Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Below we learn some fun facts about each of them and why they choose to support SOUNDS Academy.

Forest Melton – New Vice Chair of the Board
Forest Melton is a Phoenix native, self-proclaimed “Hugger”, and research specialist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. He is currently working on completing a PhD in Public Health & Health Equity at none other than The University of Arizona (Bear Down!). He joined the SOUNDS Academy Board of Directors as a Volunteer Coordinator in 2016, and has served on the board for over 5 years now. Forest has been serving the Phoenix community for years through various organizations including Ben’s Bells and LLS. The latter named him the 2019 Man of the Year.

What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: Kirk [Johnson, the CEO & Founder] did! We were both ventures at SEED SPOT, and we connected instantly. Our ventures seemed to work better together than apart, and I eventually joined the board.
What makes you passionate about access to music education for all youth?
A: The promise of youth having the opportunity to [walk through] doors that were previously closed to them is both inspiring and captivating.
We are music lovers here! What was the last concert you went to?
The last concert I went to was the Phoenix Symphony. Before that, I think my last concert was Common.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: While in college I did both wrestling and cheerleading.

Robert Donat – Board Member
Robert Donat grew up in Broadview, IL; a nearby suburb of Chicago, IL. He has been interested in music all his life, and played trombone through high school. After working in hedge funds, completing a few college degrees, working as an artillery officer in the US Army he started and recently sold GPS Insight, a commercial and government vehicle tracking software company. He now spends hours weekly practicing guitar, piano, and Spanish, as well as other hobbies and passions like traveling to keep himself busy. One of those passions is SOUNDS Academy.

What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: A friend knew I was involved with another youth music project, and introduced me to SOUNDS Academy and Kirk. I love the idea of introducing kids to learning and playing music and particularly the idea of making it available to those for whom it isn’t currently.
What makes you passionate about being part of the board this year?
A: I feel music is incredibly important for society, and is a gateway to both learning and understanding the world as well as math, logic, and discipline. I’m excited to be a member of this team.
We are all music fans here! Who are some of your favorite artists you’ve seen perform live?
A: Rodrigo y Gabriela was the last concert I attended in Flagstaff. It was my 4th time seeing them and they are top 3 of the hundreds of bands I’ve seen live. But others include David Bowie (three times), Steely Dan (eight times), Billy Joel (five times), and Elton John (five times).
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
A: I am a pilot, scuba diver, snowboarder, and former skydiver.

Eddie Gonzalez – Board Member
Eddie Gonzalez was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He joined the powerhouse retail team, led by Rommie Mojahed as a retail specialist. Since Eddie grew up in the valley, he has affluent knowledge of the growing markets and focuses on the economic growth and development of the restaurant, retail, and office markets all over the valley.  He is a third-generation Phoenician and spent most of his childhood exploring the central Phoenix corridor. He has a strong customer service background leading the front-drive team at the Ritz Carlton Phoenix from 2002 until its closure in 2015. Eddie’s passion for service serves as an important attribute to his success in commercial real estate. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time in nature. He loves dirt biking in the Sonoran Desert, four-wheeling in Sedona and the Crown King area, mountain biking in the hills of Dreamy Draw, and hiking Camelback Mountain. Where there is a mountain, dirt, or path, you will find Eddie enjoying nature at its most competitive. In short, he loves a challenge.

What makes you passionate about access to music education for all?
A: I am a big fan of music. My nephew is currently learning how to play the guitar. I believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument at school.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: Kirk Johnson was my Toastmasters mentor. The moment I met him I knew I wanted to be part of the change he was creating.
Since we are all music lovers here, when did you last listen to live music?
A: I just got back from New Orleans and every corner has a concert playing.
Who is your favorite artist?
A: My favorite musician is Garth Brooks, I grew up listening to him, he has a special place in my heart.

Selma Babic – Committee Member
Selma has a Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Arizona. Selma currently works in the Aerospace industry within Supply Chain. Music has always played a big role in her upbringing. She was involved in her school’s Concert Band, Marching Band and Symphony Orchestra. She also performed in the Regional and All-state Bands.

What makes you passionate about music education?
A: Music played a big part in my youth and helped shape me into the person I am today.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: I am a student of music. I started playing the flute in elementary school and continued through high school. The SOUNDS Academy mission is near and dear to my heart, and I believe that everyone should have equal access to music education regardless of what zip code they live in.
We are all music lovers here! Do you enjoy listening to live music?
A: Yes! My current favorite artist is Blake Shelton. I’m a big fan of country music. I love attending in person concerts [of all genres]. The last concert I went to was a Phoenix Symphony concert earlier this year.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: In my free time I enjoy hiking and visiting National Parks.

Wendy Manley – Committee Member
Wendy has spent the majority of her 30-year career in marketing, with the last decade primarily working for ad agencies specializing in digital marketing. She has lived in Arizona since 1986 and has a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s in Mass Communications from Arizona State University. Wendy has recently decided to stop working long hectic agency hours and go back into promotional product sales to allow for the work life balance needed to pursue her true passion – tithing her time and talents with organizations that make a difference in the world serving those less fortunate. She has volunteered at a number of places over the past 20 years including Junior Achievement of AZ, Unity of Phoenix, Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children, and St. Vincent de Paul. With a natural affinity toward helping children and education, as well as a love of music of all genres, SOUNDS Academy’s mission struck a resonating chord in Wendy’s heart and she knew she wanted to lend a helping hand.

What makes you passionate about access to music education for all youth?
A: It helps to level the playing field and offer more opportunities for those that come from less fortunate circumstances.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: I was first introduced to SOUNDS Academy during a Secret Sauce event, and have been hooked ever since. Music has the power to lift me up like nothing else. I have very diverse music tastes and it has helped me open my mind as well. Every child should have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument and bless the world with their talents.
We are all music fans here! Who is your favorite musician?
A: My favorite musician is Bob Marley.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: I went to high school in a farm community in Iowa – only 28 people in my graduation class.

Steven Mountjoy – Committee Member
My name is Steven Mountjoy and I have lived in Arizona for the last 19 years. I grew up in Columbia, MO and moved to Arizona in 2003 to attend Arizona State University. I graduated with a degree in Finance from the W.P. Carey School of Business in 2007 and received my MBA from University of Arizona in 2020. I am married to my amazing wife Tara and we have a 2 year old daughter named Leah. My career over the last 15 + years has been in commercial banking helping small to mid-sized companies achieve their goals by leveraging financing and cash management solutions. Outside of work I love volunteering, hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking, traveling, snowboarding, live music, and spending time with family.

What makes you passionate about access to music education for all youth?
A: Playing and listening to music has been a type of therapy for me throughout my life. I think all kids deserve to have the opportunity to experience this. Not only can music be a creative outlet or escape, but it also teaches discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: The opportunity to help kids explore music that otherwise may not have the opportunity. I have always loved listening to, playing and watching live music and I want to help kids find that same passion.
Since we are all music fans here, what was the last concert you went to?
A: The last concert I went to was the SOUNDS Academy Benefit Concert at Crescent Ballroom.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2011.

For more information about SOUNDS Academy, visit soundsacademy.org.