BD Performing Arts (BDPA) has a rich history of being on the cutting edge. Innovation, excellence, and creative programs - coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset - have helped BDPA consistently be one of the top performing arts organizations in the world. The goal of BD Performing Arts has always been to grow in such a way that an ever expanding number of young people who want to experience excellence in the performing arts can be a part of what the Blue Devils and the other BDPA programs have to offer.
It is with that vision in mind, that after 24 years of leading the Blue Devils organization, David Gibbs is announcing his decision to transition into a new role. "As we continue to grow and thrive, I feel that the time is right for us to add to our leadership team in a significant way," says Gibbs. "And I am excited to announce that on February 29th, the Blue Devils family will welcome Justin Heimbecker as the new CEO of BD Performing Arts."
"Justin comes to us with a deep history of entrepreneurial experience in the performing arts," continues Gibbs, "and it is our belief that he is exactly the right person to lead our organization into the future."
Justin Heimbecker
"I'm thrilled and honored for the opportunity to join the BDPA family," says Heimbecker. "Since its inception, the Blue Devils organization has been at the forefront of the drum corps activity, both on and off the field, taking risks and embracing a pioneering spirit as it relates to their mission - to support young people through the performing arts. I look forward to working alongside Dave to provide leadership to all aspects of BDPA, contributing to the continued success of the entire organization in an ever-changing landscape of drum corps and nonprofit management."
"I could not be more excited about this addition to our team," says Gibbs. "Justin is a great fit for BDPA. His experience and vision for our brand will allow us to develop and grow as we continue striving for excellence. We all welcome Justin wholeheartedly and look forward to introducing him to our BD world."
Gibbs goes on to say that, "in 2015, BD Performing Arts fielded seven separate educational musical ensembles, and won two world championships. And we continued to produce the extremely successful BDEntertainment division that services sporting, corporate, and special events. System Blue products and education brand grew significantly last year, too. And the addition of Justin to our team will allow us to look forward to our next 60 years as a continued leader in innovative excellence."
"As we prepare for the future, we want to ensure that BDPA maintains its role as one of the key leaders in the performing arts and it is critical that we have the best leadership team possible," says Rosa Lee Harden, president of the BDPA Board of Directors. "To that end, Dave will continue as Senior Executive Advisor to BDPA, working directly with both Justin and the board for as long as it is needed. Adding Justin to the team will allow Dave to focus on exciting new projects as well as manage the increasing growth of System Blue as the brand's President and Board Chair."
"We are thrilled to have Justin join our team," says Donna Batchelor, the immediate past president of the BDPA Board. "It has been my privilege to head the board for the last three years as we made this transition one of our top priorities. Justin comes to us with exactly the right experience to support the growth and development of our organization, as well as add energy and leadership to continue our legacy well into the future."
Heimbecker has spent his career growing all areas of music and marching programs. While one of his main focuses has been in the drum and bugle corps arena, his classroom experience has also afforded him the opportunity to work with students of all ages. Most recently, he has supported hundreds of music programs across the nation through his leadership role with USBands. His work throughout his career has been on the cutting edge of the pageantry world, where he has continuously sought innovative and creative ways to build awareness of the performing arts by providing excellent and unique experiences for students.
"We look forward to a healthy and exciting future with Justin," says Gibbs. "It is our mission to provide remarkable experiences for youth in the performing arts and to help them achieve a level of excellence that becomes a part of their lives forever."
For more information, contact Rosa Lee Harden, President[email protected]