As we grow and evolve here at Project 440, our leadership structures grow and evolve with us. This month, the Project 440 Board of Directors has transitioned to a Co-Chair structure. Mary Javian and Megan Speight have been elected as the first Board Co-Chairs.
“We are blessed at Project 440 to have such an inspirational Board for our organization,” said Executive Director and Founder Joseph Conyers. “Tad LeVan has valiantly led Project 440 as Chair for nearly six years, and we are very grateful for his steadfast leadership over those years. There are certainly some very large shoes to fill!”
LeVan began in his role as Board chair in May 2015, after being drawn to the organization’s unique approach to using music as a tool for change. He will remain on the Board as Javian and Speight begin their roles as Co-Chairs.
“I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to be Board chair during this period of growth and development for Project 440,” LeVan stated. “Over the past six years, Project 440’s programming, student opportunities, and, most importantly, its positive and lasting impact on Philadelphia and the larger community has increased exponentially. It has been exciting to play a small part in such a great organization that effectuates real change. I am thrilled to transition Board leadership to Mary and Megan – who I know will do a fantastic job taking Project 440 to the next level – and I look forward to remaining with the organization as a Board member, legal counsel, and all-around supporter!”
Mary Javian is the Chair of Career Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. She has performed as a double bassist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, served as principal bass of the IRIS Orchestra and has recorded with the Philadelphia and IRIS orchestras, the Tanglewood Music Center, Network for New Music, Dolce Suono Ensemble, and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. Javian has served on the Project 440 Board of Directors since November 2014.
“As a long-time Board member I am honored to move into the Co-Chair role of this unique and important organization,” shared Javian. “It is urgent that we equip young people with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Project 440's curriculum is a rare model that promotes equity, access and innovation.”
In her role at Curtis, Javian has created a dynamic social entrepreneurship curriculum that develops the entrepreneurial and advocacy skills that 21st-century musicians need. Her project-based classes help students create community partnerships that sustain both artistic and social value.
“Mary is a well-known force nationally for both her musical and community engagement endeavors through music. Her leadership as a co-chair will be invaluable,” Conyers said. “Equally as invaluable as Mary Javian’s work is the work of Megan Speight, whose time with the organization has spanned nearly two years and who very quickly took on the role of Marketing Chair for the organization,” says Conyers. “Her guidance has been integral to the many successes in the messaging of our important work — locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Megan Speight joined the Project 440 Board of Directors in April 2019 and began her work with the Marketing Committee, promoting Project 440’s mission to folks around the country, and beyond.
Speight said, “As a native to the Philadelphia area and a previous classically trained musician, it is my honor to lead this organization as the Co-Chair of the Board with Mary. The impact Project 440 makes locally and nationally in support of equity, inclusion, and upskilling on students is imperative to their success in their future. I look forward to seeing this organization grow and further it's reach in supporting upcoming generations and their drive to ignite change in their communities."
An experienced public relations and communications professional, Speight is the Public Relations Coordinator at the Project Management Institute. She has worked in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors including organizations such as Comcast, The Franklin Institute and the National Constitution Center. In her current role as Public Relations Manager at Maternity Care Coalition, Speight focuses her efforts on media relations, developing and implementing public relations plans, supporting the Fund Development and program staff with events, and co-manages all of the organizations’ social media platforms.
“In their roles as Co-Chairs, we have perfect ‘harmony’ in leadership, stewardship, innovation, motivation, and service, and we are so happy to have them lead Project 440 through this most important time in our organization's history,” said Conyers.
Congratulations to our new Board Co-Chairs, and thank you for your work on behalf of Project 440!