New Hire for DC Youth Orchestra Program

The DC Youth Orchestra Program has selected Betsy Purves as its next Director of Development following a search process led by Carlyn Madden Consulting. Betsy joined the region’s leading ensemble-based music education program in early June.

A classically-trained singer and experienced fundraiser, Betsy’s abiding love of the arts bridges the personal and professional. Prior to joining DCYOP, she served as the Senior Major Gifts Officer at the Phillips Collection and held past roles at Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Cathedral Choral Society. She is active in the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, having co-chaired its Arts Affinity Group. Betsy holds a BA from Columbia University and an MA in Medieval Studies from University College London. A native Washingtonian, she lives in Petworth with her husband and young son.

Elizabeth Schurgin, DCYOP’s Executive Director shared her delight in welcoming Betsy to the DCYOP team, “At a particularly exciting moment for DCYOP, Betsy’s charisma, intelligence and gifts as relationship-builder will help take our organization to its next level of growth.”

With the mission ‘music for young people; achievement for life,’ DCYOP will celebrate 60 years fostering the musical development of 50,000+ youth in 2020. “I’m thrilled to join DCYOP as it approaches this important milestone in transforming the lives of Washington-area youth through music education,” says Betsy, “and I am honored to contribute to the success of DCYOP’s mission along its donors.”

More about the DC Youth Orchestra Program can be found at www.dcyop.org.