Friday, Oct. 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tim Farrell, Board President
(815) 261-1956; [email protected]
Valenzuela Stepping Down as Executive Director
ROCKFORD, ILL. – Phantom Regiment announced today that executive director Rick Valenzuela has resigned from the role he has held for more than 13 years. He will transition out between now and mid-January 2020.
“While leading this storied organization has been a labor of love, it is a challenging role,” Valenzuela said. “I’ve been looking for the right time to make a change and, with the organization’s renewed commitment to its talent-rich staff, now seems to be that opportunity.”
Valenzuela joined Phantom Regiment in late 2005 in a development role and was promoted to executive director in September 2006. During that time, he helped the organization climb out of financial hardship a year later and has kept Phantom Regiment on solid financial ground ever since. With Valenzuela as executive director, Phantom Regiment won the DCI World Championship in 2008 and has extended the second-longest streak of Drum Corps International World Championships finals appearances to 45 years.
“Rick’s keen eye on the budget and tight control of income and expenses has been crucial to the organization’s growth,” said Tim Farrell, board president during the entire span. “But, just as importantly, Rick is a great person who is leaving the organization in excellent shape. Organizationally speaking, we’ve never been in better condition than we are today. Personally, I’m thrilled that he’ll continue living in the Rockford area. I already have him penciled in to take on at least one of our fund-raising events.”
During his years with Phantom Regiment, Rick has also been heavily involved with Drum Corps International, serving on its membership affairs committee and governance committee, and he is currently the voting membership chairperson.
“Rick came to Phantom Regiment from one of its long-time rivals, and there was good-natured ribbing about that. However, he immediately fit in, and there is no doubt he will forever be a part of Phantom Regiment,” said Greg Newell, a long-time officer on the board of directors. “We can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for the organization during some of the highest and lowest points in its history.”
“Rick has been a tireless advocate of both Phantom Regiment and Drum Corps International, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Jeff Hassan, vice president of the board of directors.
A board of directors committee ([email protected]) will be interviewing candidates for the executive director position during the transition period. Once hired, they will join our current team that includes Lori Valenzuela, operations manager, and David Warren, corps manager.
Founded in 1956, Phantom Regiment offers a world-class drum corps as its primary program. It also runs brass, percussion, color guard and leadership camps in several states, drum corps shows in Illinois and West Virginia, a high school marching band competition, a concert band festival, and the Rockford Rhythm percussion ensemble for youth in Rockford.
For more information, visit www.regiment.org or www.facebook.com/regiment
