BD Performing Arts (BDPA) is pleased to announce that Jim Verrett will be joining the organization as Chief Executive Officer in early May 2022. Shaun Gallant, who has been with BDPA since 2018, is stepping down from the CEO role to explore opportunities outside of the organization.
“We conducted an extensive search for an individual with the experience and skill set we believe essential to build upon the foundation that the leadership team has established, and to shepherd the organization to new heights,” says Donna Batchelor, BDPA Board of Directors President. “Ultimately, we found this individual right in our back yard.”
Verrett, who resides in Vallejo, CA along with his wife and their wire-haired mixed terrier, has been a member of the BDPA Board of Directors in an advisory or director capacity since 2018, actively involved in numerous initiatives. Most recently, he spearheaded the USBands rebranding project in partnership with USBands Executive Director, Sean King.
Verrett brings to BDPA over 30 years of experience helping tier-one brands reach their full potential and leading teams to growth and success. His remarkably broad national and global experience encompasses CPG marketing, traditional and digital advertising, consumer promotion, experiential marketing, sponsorship/partnership marketing and more.
A former member of the LSU “Golden Band from Tigerland” and of Phantom Regiment, Verrett points to his 80’s-era drum corps experience as seminal. “I credit much of the success I’ve found professionally and personally to the life skills and work ethic developed as a member of a storied drum corps attempting to create magic,” he says. “I returned from that experience a changed person—full of drive, confidence, and eagerness to do great work; characteristics that served me exceedingly well in my career and still hold true today.”
Verrett joins BDPA as the organization celebrates our 65th Anniversary in 2022. The Blue Devils are excited about returning to the field along with the other amazing performing ensembles as we all join in the celebration of Drum Corps Internationals 50 year anniversary. The organization will continue to provide quality experiences for our programs and continue to strive to impact music and the performing arts throughout the country and across the globe. Now, with Verrett’s guidance and leadership, BDPA is excited to continue building on the values and innovative excellence to take a step into the future.
“What the BDPA team has accomplished these past few years is astounding—particularly considering the challenges presented by the global pandemic and uncertainty it brought to all aspects of life,” says Verrett. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to build on the positive momentum present across the organization and can’t wait to begin working with this team in pursuit of reaching our full potential.”
BD Performing Arts (BDPA) is a non-profit organization based in Concord, CA that provides domestic and international music education and performance opportunities for youth and young adults. Founded in 1957, BDPA’s objective is to develop personal character through challenging physical, emotional, mental, and social activities while promoting the values of dedication, hard work, and commitment to a team effort.
Over 450 young people participate in BDPA programs each year, and over 8,000 young people in 2,000 families have been served by the organization since 1957. BDPA’s extensive network of programs includes The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Devils B, Blue Devils C, RCC Indoor Percussion, Diablo Wind Symphony, Blue Devils Special Needs Guard, USBands, Western Band Association (WBA), and BDEntertainment.
You can learn more about BD Performing Arts online at bluedevils.org.