Good Insight is pleased to share that Washington Performing Arts (WPA) announced Amber Pannocchia as as Director of Arts Education & Partnerships following an extensive national search. Pannochia began her new role in January 2024.

“Amber brings a wealth of experience and a demonstrated commitment to equitable, accessible arts education,” said Jenny Bilfield, Washington Performing Arts President and CEO. “As a true driver of innovation in arts education, she will be a tremendous asset to Washington Performing Arts as we deepen local partnerships that champion the arts.”

As Director, Pannocchia will provide leadership and vision for Washington Performing Arts’s signature arts education programs, including its partnership with DC Public Schools. Pannocchia serves as a strategic thought partner to the school district to continue to evolve established arts programming and spark new approaches to meet the needs of 21st-century learners, educators, and schools.

Additionally, Pannocchia will oversee the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition, which provides opportunities for aspiring musicians of all ages and instruments to perform as a chamber music ensemble and compete for cash prizes. Winning ensembles are also offered performance opportunities through Washington Performing Arts and Levine Music.

As part of Washington Performing Arts’s commitment to lifelong learning, Pannocchia will lead the organization’s Enriching Experiences for Seniors programs, bringing performances and workshops in the areas of music, dance, theater, storytelling, and visual arts to senior communities in the D.C. area.

“Throughout my career, I have been privileged to help create empowering and inspiring educational opportunities through music,” Pannocchia said. “I am thrilled to continue this work with Washington Performing Arts’ outstanding programs for youth and life-long learners.”

ABOUT AMBER PANNOCCHIA

Amber Pannocchia has nearly 15 years of experience leading, developing, and integrating innovative and accessible arts programming throughout the D.C. metropolitan area. Prior to Washington Performing Arts, she was Deputy Director and Director of Youth Programs at The MusicianShip, a D.C. music nonprofit that provides youth and emerging musicians from historically marginalized communities with free music education and enrichment programs. Pannocchia previously held positions in education and leadership at BeanTree Learning Center and Bach to Rock in northern Virginia.

An active advocate for community musicians, Pannocchia serves on the board of Cancer Can Rock. She has volunteered with the DC Office of Out-of-School Time’s Community Advisory Network, served as a grant reviewer for the Office’s Summer Strong and Small Nonprofit Grants, and volunteered as a panelist for the DC Music Summit.

Pannocchia has a degree in Music Studies from the University of South Florida and an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Public Policy and Practice, in partnership with National Arts Strategies.

ABOUT WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS

One of the most established and honored performing arts institutions in America, Washington Performing Arts has engaged for more than half a century with artists, audiences, students, and civic life. The city is truly our stage: for decades, in venues ranging from concert halls and clubs to public parks, we have presented a tremendous range of artists and art forms, from the most distinguished symphony orchestras to both renowned and emerging artists in classical music, jazz, international genres, and more. We also have an ever-expanding artistic and educational presence on the internet, envisioning ongoing opportunities for online connection and community.

Washington Performing Arts deeply values its partnerships with local organizations and other arts institutions. Through events online and in myriad performance venues and neighborhoods, we engage international visiting artists in community programs and introduce local artists to wider audiences. We place a premium on establishing artists as a continuing presence in the lives of both young people and adults through residencies and education programs.

Our achievements have been recognized with a National Medal of Arts and with three Mayor’s Arts Awards from the DC Government. We have now embarked upon our second half-century, ever inspired by the motto of our founder, Patrick Hayes: “Everybody in, nobody out.”  

ABOUT GOOD INSIGHT

With a mission to connect good causes to great leaders, Good Insight is an executive search firm and governance consultancy serving the social sector. They plan leadership transitions, recruit talented senior executives, and strengthen boards of directors. Good Insight focuses on leadership searches for small and mid-sized nonprofits with a nationwide reach. Learn more at www.good-insight.org.