In Wednesday’s (1/19) Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas), John Austin reports, “Carla Kemp Thompson has been named chairperson of the Van Cliburn Foundation’s board of directors, replacing Alann Bedford Sampson, chairperson since 1994. Thompson began her Cliburn involvement as a girl, taking tickets when the piano competition was still held on the Texas Christian University campus. ‘My personal exposure to classical music began early, including attendance at the competition during my childhood,’ Thompson said in a statement. ‘Those experiences fostered a lifetime love of and commitment to music.’ The 53-year-old investment adviser applauded Sampson, saying she leaves the Cliburn with a strong international presence and money in the bank. The Van Cliburn Foundation Trust is valued at $15 million, according to the organization. It has a $12 million four-year budget. … In addition to a volunteer pool of about 1,200, Sampson expanded the paid staff to include full time, permanent positions in marketing and development. There’s also a full-time liaison to the Cliburn artists. … Though Thompson will keep her paying day job, she promised that the volunteer Cliburn post will receive a full-time commitment.”
Posted January 20, 2011
