World Music Institute Appoints Executive Director

World Music Institute in New York has announced the appointment of Gaby Sappington as Executive Director of the organization. Gaby Sappington worked in the international departments of leading record companies: BMG Entertainment and Sony Classical. She marketed and promoted diverse artists including The Chieftains, Carlos Nunez, Murray Perahia, and Joshua Bell.

Most recently, as an executive at Make-A-Wish—an organization that grants the wishes of children diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, she managed all marketing, communications and branding initiatives for the Metro New York and Western New York chapter.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to combine my passion for music and dance from around the world with my leadership experience in the non-profit and corporate world,” says Sappington. “I look forward to applying what I’ve learned towards increasing the visibility, funding and relevance of WMI in New York City’s diverse communities. The mission of World Music Institute speaks to me on a deep, personal level and I gladly commit to driving the efforts to help foster a deeper understanding of communities around the globe, which I consider to be of great importance.”

“Gaby Sappington’s appointment continues to usher in an exciting new era for World Music Institute,” says WMI Board Chair Paul Palmer. ”Our organization has a rich history in New York’s world music community. Gaby’s knowledge, immense passion, and compelling background will guide and shape a dynamic leadership team eager to innovate and build upon our past accomplishments.”

Gaby takes over from acting Executive Director Cynthia McVay, who will return to the Board of Directors after serving nine months in the position. Cynthia stepped into the role in October 2014.

The new leadership team at WMI that Gaby joins includes Artistic Director Par Neiburger, who was appointed by McVay in November 2014 and is set to open his first full season of programming on September 15 with a four-night Lusophone Festival, featuring acts from Portuguese-speaking countries around the world.

WMI has also hired a new marketing director, Leandro Herbstein, who worked for 10 years in marketing and publicity for Putumayo World Music and was raised in Argentina.

For more details about the new season’s programming, go to World Music Institute announces the 2015-16 season.