Dear Members of the ACDA Eastern Region,
I am writing to share an important leadership update with our region.
Jamie Spillane will continue to serve as President-Elect of the ACDA Eastern Region through our upcoming 2026 Providence Conference. Following the conference, Jamie will be stepping down from this role and the subsequent Presidency . We ask that you please take time to read the letter below from Jamie, which provides additional context and details regarding his departure.
In accordance with the bylaws of the American Choral Directors Association, the Eastern Region Past Presidents convened to address this transition and recommended that Penelope Cruz be appointed to the role of Region President for a two-year term beginning as President-Elect in March of 2026, then assuming the Presidency July 1, 2026 and leading the 2028 Eastern Region Conference. I will extend my role as Past-President for 2 terms, from 2026-2030. This recommendation has been approved by the ACDA National Board. Penelope previously served the Eastern Region with distinction as President from 2020 to 2022 and chaired the 2023 ACDA National Conference. We are profoundly grateful for her willingness to return to service and provide steady, experienced leadership during this time of unexpected transition.
Please note that later this month, the region will also share information regarding the regular President-Elect Designate election cycle. We encourage you to watch for the ballot and the slate of candidates for the 2028–2030 term of President of the ACDA Eastern Region. This election process will proceed as scheduled and will not be impacted by the current leadership transition.
On behalf of the entire region, I extend our deepest gratitude to Jamie for his unparalleled service to the American Choral Directors Association at the state, regional, and national levels. His leadership, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to choral music have left an indelible mark on our organization. We also offer heartfelt congratulations to Jamie on his retirement from the University of Connecticut and celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves as an artist, educator, mentor, and advocate for our art form.
I wish to express my immense appreciation to our team of Past Presidents (Chris Kiver and David Fryling) for their thoughtful guidance and care in navigating this moment, and to Penelope Cruz for her generosity, leadership, and continued service to our region. Their support ensures continuity, stability, and a strong path forward.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at XXXXX.
With gratitude,
Amanda Sprague Hanzlik
President, ACDA Eastern Region
A Message from Jamie Spillane, ACDA Eastern Region President-elect
Dear ACDA Friends,
As the holiday season concludes, I am filled with joy and gratitude for concluding a wonderful semester with my UConn family. Recently, I conducted my final concert and taught my last class as a full-time faculty member at the University of Connecticut. After 14 fulfilling years, this was a difficult decision.
As many of you might know from my recent social media posts, last summer I was diagnosed with ALS after experiencing gradually worsening hand weakness. While I have enjoyed a fantastic semester hanging with Jacob Collier, conducting Mozart Requiems, and immersing myself in the joy of choral music, I am finding it increasingly challenging to balance appointments and therapy with the demands of my work.
I am currently involved in a clinical drug trial and am receiving the best care possible while doing everything I can to stay active for as long as possible. I will remain at UConn for the spring semester in a more administrative role, officially retiring on August 1st. My dear friend Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth will take over the day-to-day responsibilities of my UConn Choirs.
In light of my situation, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my upcoming role as President of ACDA East following the February conference. With the next conference two years away, I am concerned that I will not have the hand dexterity or time necessary to manage the extensive communication required for such a dynamic organization.
ACDA has been one of the highlights of my life, and I regret not being able to fulfill this last pinnacle of service. However, with the recent announcement of Penelope Cruz taking over my position, I know that the mighty ACDA East is in good hands.
I look forward to seeing you all in Providence. (register now!)
Wishing you all a joyful 2026 and sending much love,
Jamie Spillane
President-Elect, ACDA Eastern Region
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ACDA EAST – LEADERSHIP SERVICE TIMELINE 2026-2030
March-June 30, 2026
Amanda Hanzlik President
Penelope Cruz President-Elect
July 1, 2026-June 30, 2028
Penelope Cruz President
To be elected President-Elect
Amanda Hanzlik Past-President
July 1, 2028-June 30, 2030
To be elected President
Amanda Hanzlik Past President
*Penelope Cruz returns to her position on the Past Presidents Council