The William E. Schmidt Foundation (WESF) is excited to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Christine Goerke, Janet Hamilton Petersen, and Chad Schmidt. They will be joining the current board members Lisa Hamilton, Chester A. Schmidt III, Douglas Schmidt, and Mike Small.

The mission of the William E. Schmidt Foundation is to support initiatives that enhance communities by ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and enriching life experiences. One of its flagship programs, Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA), involves over 400 young singers annually, providing them with top-notch vocal training and immersive experiences to nurture their talents in classical singing and vocal arts.

In recent years, SVA has seen remarkable growth, including the introduction of a National Competition for high school singers in 2022 and the establishment of a scholarship program benefiting over 50 undergraduate singers with financial need. The expanded board will play a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing these program initiatives further.