Rosie’s House Announces New Board and Executive Leadership for 2026-27

Rosie’s House, one of the nation’s largest providers of free community-based music education, has announced its 2026-27 Board of Directors leadership, welcomed four new board members and expanded its executive leadership team with three appointments.

The changes come as the nonprofit continues growing its reach across Greater Phoenix. During the 2025-26 school year, Rosie’s House enrolled 947 students in its free afterschool, summer and early childhood music education programs and is working toward serving 1,000 students annually.

“As Rosie’s House grows, we are building the leadership structure we need to sustain that growth while staying focused on the young people and families we serve,” said Becky Bell Ballard, Chief Executive Officer of Rosie’s House. “Our board and executive leaders bring tremendous experience in business, finance, philanthropy, education and community leadership, along with a shared belief in the opportunities music education can create for young people.”

Emily Soccorsy, owner and lead brand strategist of Root + River and a former corporate communications executive, journalist and publisher, will serve as board president. The other officers are Kelly Hughes-Halpin, a social worker at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, as vice president; Heather Zorge, a financial and operations executive, as treasurer; and Michael Rolland, a shareholder at Engelman Berger PC, as secretary.

The four new board members bring experience across business, education, finance and the arts. Scott Feuer, CEO and designated broker of Orsett Properties Ltd., is also a guitarist and singer with local band Scotty and the Rented Mules. Christine Lindley, a retired educator and aerospace professional, previously taught mathematics and worked with Honeywell Aerospace.

Claudia Sanson, a legislative specialist with the Arizona Department of Health Services, is a Rosie’s House alumna who studied classical piano for 12 years and participated in the organization’s inaugural mariachi program. She continues performing throughout the Valley. Abran Villegas, managing director at Lazear Capital, brings 25 years of banking experience and plays vihuela in a mariachi band.

Rosie’s House also appointed three executives to lead finance and operations, fundraising and programs. Andrea Levy, C.P.A., C.F.E., C.G.M.A., M.B.A., becomes chief finance and operations officer. She brings more than 15 years of financial leadership experience and most recently served as head of finance and operations for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. A former violin student, Levy is excited to support access to music education.

Jack Schwimmer, M.B.A., has been promoted to chief development officer, leading fundraising strategy. A trained musician, he previously worked with the Heard Museum and Interlochen Center for the Arts and chaired the City of Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission.

Marvin Scott becomes chief program officer, continuing a relationship with Rosie’s House that began in 2000, when he joined as a saxophone teacher. He returned in 2019 as program and community engagement director and now leads the organization’s educational programs.

The leadership expansion follows significant growth. Rosie’s House completed its More than Music Campaign, expanded its first permanent campus and established a sustaining operating and building reserve. Student enrollment has increased by more than 45 percent in recent years, and public programs now reach more than 10,000 community members. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit rosieshouse.org.