AES Executive Director Colleen Harper is to step down from her position in March 2022, having led the AES headquarters staff for the past three years. Bill Foster, a veteran of AES leadership who served as Interim Executive Director during the search that led to the hiring of Harper, has agreed to serve again as Interim Executive Director.
‘I care deeply about the AES, and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together,’ Harper says. ‘The past three years have been a tremendously rewarding experience and some of the most challenging and enjoyable years I could have imagined. My decision to step down has been a difficult one, but I leave knowing that I have accomplished the goals established when I joined the AES. As I leave to pursue a new challenge, I am genuinely sad to leave the Society, its dedicated staff and leadership, and the wonderful community that has accepted me as one of its own.’
Harper worked with the AES volunteer leadership, members and industry partners to shepherd the society through a period of radical transition due to the repercussions of the global pandemic. During her tenure, the AES has consistently advanced its global role, maintaining its essential contributions to the vitality of the professional audio industry through the promotion of the creative practice of the audio arts, scientific and technological innovation, education and standards development.
‘The AES has been privileged to have Colleen’s experience and unique skill set to rely upon during trying times,’ says AES President, Josh Reiss. ‘Not only is the AES in the best financial position it’s been in for years despite a global pandemic, but Colleen has also helped usher in forward-looking operational plans, procedures and practices that will further solidify the society’s role as the world’s leading professional audio technological organisation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Board of Governors and the Society’s membership, we offer Colleen our sincere gratitude and wish her well as her career takes her in new directions.
‘Bill has proven his ability to see the Society through this type of transition,’ he adds. ‘The Board of Directors has every confidence that he will once again provide the interim leadership needed. Colleen has set a high standard of performance that will be a perfect template to guide our search for her replacement.’
The AES Board of Directors is in the process of creating a search committee to work with an outside search firm in the selection of Harper’s permanent replacement.
See also:
Josh Reiss: AES President
More: www.aesorg.com
