Community Music School names Paris development director

Date: 9/26/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Joan D. Paris of Wilbraham has been hired as the new director of development by the Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS), 127 State St., to diversify and broaden CMSS’s revenue sources and join the Executive Director Fran Zarubick, in building donor relationships.

Paris, who began the position on Sept. 6 brings more than 20 years of diversified community experience in development, grant writing, fund-raising, marketing, education and public relations to the position.

Paris was the first assistant town administrator for the Town of Wilbraham and most recently worked as the principal in her own firm, JDP Endeavors, earning more than $10 million in local, state, federal, and foundation dollars to complete several community, historical and educational projects.

She has provided consultancy on community and organizational development and grant writing, strategic planning, meeting facilitation and team building to add value and working capital to community projects in the greater Springfield area and throughout the state.

Paris brings an added asset to the CMSS with her experience as an early childhood administrator; having earned a bachelor of science degree from Worcester State College in both early childhood and elementary education and a recently completed master of education degree in interdisciplinary studies from Cambridge College.

Previously, Jeanie Connor held the position for nine years and accomplished diversified revenue and critical community relationships, by creating dynamic public and private partnerships. 

“The CMSS board is delighted to welcome Joan to our community family,” Zarubick said. “She brings passion and energy to the community scene generally with years of business and professional traits, and a proven track record for increasing revenue and resources. She is also knowledgeable about children and families and genuinely fond of the important work we accomplish here for them.”

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