New Leadership 2021

2021 Brings New Leadership and New Team Members to SOUNDS Academy. Please Welcome them to Our Team!

– Committee Members –

LAURIE PORTER

Laurie worked in University Advancement and Development offices in Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. She found great success as a prospect researcher and was a member of APRA (Association of Prospect Researchers in Advancement) from 1996-2015. She served on the nominating and award committees and was an international conference speaker three times. Her published articles appeared in Advancing Philanthropy (AFP) and Connections, the APRA professional publication. Her fundraising efforts included the biosciences, and higher education but volunteering for arts organizations balanced her life. Laurie started playing flute at age 9 and in college majored in flute performance.

QUOTE FROM LAURIE

“I was a child of divorce and a struggling mother. I have a special place in my heart for musically talented kids with little opportunity to learn and often, minimal support from family. I care about the mission and education of Sounds Academy.”

RONALD STOFFLE

Ronnie is a native of the valley and a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School in downtown Phoenix and the University of Arizona. He works for Arizona Public Service (APS) and enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring new restaurants during his free time.

QUOTE FROM RONNIE

“It is a privilege to join the SOUNDS Academy team. I believe all children should have access to the same opportunities and this organization provides just that in the world of Performing Arts. I am excited to contribute to the great work that Kirk and his team continue to provide to our community.”

LOGAN MARSHALL

Logan is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and has a passion and appreciation for the importance of supporting and defending human rights. He also has a deep appreciation for the arts and the impact they can bring in our society.

Logan is currently the Director of Philanthropy for the ACLU of Arizona. Prior to joining the ACLU, Logan worked for the Arizona Opera as the Associate Director of Development, Individual Giving where he helped the company dramatically increase their major gifts program. Previously, he worked in fundraising as the Membership Manager for public radio stations, KJZZ 91.5 FM, K-BACH 89.5 FM, and Sun Sounds of Arizona where he was responsible for managing the monthly giving program. He began his career with one of the top genomics research facilities in the country, TGen (The Translational Genomics Research Institute), where he served as the Development Associate assisting the Associate Director of Development with events and major gifts. Logan is a proud husband and father of a 8-year-old boy. He graduated Arizona State University with a B.S. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).

QUOTE FROM LOGAN

“I have known about SOUNDS for many years but just recently got more involved. I have seen the incredible impact that this program has on the students and their futures. I’ve also seen the extreme inequities in music education and I fully believe that a child’s zip code should not determine their access to quality music education.”