Holly assumed the role of Chair of BCI’s Board in April 2021

Professional background and skills: Retired Partner, IBM, after 34 years of marketing, HR, M&A, product planning, and consulting. Nonprofit experience as former board chair of United Way of CT, Pendragon Theatre, and Fairfield County Chorale. Currently on the executive committee of the Adirondack Foundation and a director for Cloudsplitter Foundation.

A favorite musical experience: One of my earliest favorite experiences foreshadowed why I enjoy BCI. As a high school junior, I rehearsed every Saturday then traveled with about 60 other juniors and seniors from all over Michigan to Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina with the Youth for Understanding Chorale, with a repertoire that was half classical and half popular. One day, after already having done two concerts in Brazil on a hot day, and traveling in an un-air-conditioned bus with wool uniforms, we were grumbling about doing our third concert. As we walked on stage, the conductor was whispering something to the choristers, who were chuckling as they entered. He said, “If you can’t smile, grit your teeth, it all looks the same.”

Hobbies/interests: Canoeing, walking, needle crafts, our kids and grandson

My idea of happiness: Being with my family; singing major choral works with BCI; a walk in the woods

Personal motto: “If you don’t do good, doing well is not enough.” -Anna Quindlen

Unusual fact: My husband and I have climbed all 46 of the peaks over 4000 feet in the Adirondacks, making us “46ers.”

Why BCI matters to me: It is a thrill to achieve a performance of a major work, under the direction of extremely talented people (from each of whom I learn something different), in fascinating locations, with friends new and old.