SOUNDS Academy Leadership Updates for the 2021-22 School Year

We here at SOUNDS Academy are excited to announce an update to our leadership this school year. Laurie Porter, Ronald Stoffle, and Logan Marshall will be working with the existing board and committees to help us succeed. Below we learn more about each of them and why they choose to support SOUNDS Academy.

Laurie Porter – New Board Member & Co-Chair of External Affairs

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.

What makes you passionate about music education?
A: Children who learn to read music excel in other academic areas, so the learning component is key. Also, building competence and providing shared experiences with other children is so important for good mental health.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: SOUNDS Academy reaches out to children who have an environment much like mine when I was a child. Children with innate talents and interests have few to no opportunities to take part. SOUNDS Academy saw a need for underserved children and does excellent work in addressing that need.
What are you looking forward to while being on the board?
A: Being productive and assisting our founder and other board members to grow this much needed nonprofit.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: I have been a pit musician for musical theater and as a college graduate gave the graduating class speech. It was the first time I ever spoke in public.

Ronald Stoffle – Board Member & Internal Affairs Committee Member

Ronnie is a native of the valley and a proud graduate of both 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.

What makes you passionate about music education?
A: I have personally witnessed the power in music as a form of therapy, profession, and hobby. This has always moved me and I believe it’s important for children to have this option available to them.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: I first learned about SOUNDS Academy as I began working for APS. They had a booth of students in our lobby promoting the organization. I was inspired by the passion in those students. After learning more about the mission and Kirk’s vision, it was a no-brainer to volunteer and help make a difference in our community.
What are you looking forward to while being a part of the board this upcoming year?
A: I am most looking forward to contributing to the growth of the organization. SOUNDS Academy is poised for a year of tremendous growth and I’m excited to be a member of the team.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: I try to participate in at least one 10K race a year.

Logan Marshall – External Affairs Committee Member

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).

What makes you passionate about music education?
A: I have no musical abilities myself whatsoever, but I appreciate what music brings to a community, especially to kids. I didn’t have great access to music education growing up and wish I had the opportunity, so I want to make sure everyone is able to have a quality music education.
What drew you to SOUNDS Academy specifically?
A: 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. Sounds looks to solve this and I want to do what I can to help.
What are you looking forward to while being a part of SOUNDS Academy this upcoming year?
A: I am hopeful I can help SOUNDS Academy increase the support they receive from the community so that they can make an even bigger impact and serve even more students.
Tell us something interesting about you?
A: I am an amateur woodworker and recently built an outdoor patio set. I also have a Dr. Seuss tattoo.