Washington, D.C. – Sarah Holmes, chair of the Cathedral Choral Society (CCS) board, announced today that Catherine Ort-Mabry, CAE, an experienced executive and board advisor known for her nonprofit communications and engagement skills, will take on the role of interim executive director for CCS starting October 28th.
Ms. Ort-Mabry is a dynamic and effective leader with substantial experience in helping large nonprofit membership organizations enhance member value. She previously held the position of chief marketing and communications officer at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), one of the largest professional societies in the life sciences field. During her time at ASM, Ort-Mabry implemented programs that surpassed targets in customer satisfaction, membership growth and retention, media presence, and digital engagement. She also serves as the CEO of C O M Solutions, a consulting firm that collaborates with mission-driven organizations to achieve their strategic goals by engaging key stakeholders. Additionally, she has been a soprano with CCS for over 25 years.
In her new role, Ort-Mabry will provide leadership and support to the CCS team as the organization begins a nationwide search for its next executive director. Her focus will include staff and operational leadership, board governance, and enhancing revenue through marketing and fundraising initiatives.
“The Cathedral Choral Society is thriving, thanks to its exceptional leadership, artistic vision, and outstanding performances, and I’m honored to contribute to its ongoing success,” Ort-Mabry stated. “It’s a true pleasure to sing with this remarkable group of artists, and I’m excited to support them both on and off the stage.”
Ms. Holmes expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled that Ms. Ort-Mabry will serve as our interim executive director. She brings extensive nonprofit experience and a long-standing commitment to the Cathedral Choral Society.”
CCS music director Steven Fox added, “Catherine’s background and her deep connection to CCS align perfectly with our goals and vision for this season, which is filled with collaborations with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chanticleer, and many exceptional soloists. We’re eager to welcome Catherine as we embark on this special season and are confident she will lead us to new heights.”
Ort-Mabry’s appointment follows the departure of Christopher Eanes, who has been the executive director since 2019 and recently announced his new role as president and CEO of Chorus America, the national advocacy and membership organization for choruses across North America. The CCS board has established a search committee to oversee the recruitment of the next executive director, with further details about the search process to be shared in the upcoming weeks.
