Rita McLennon, a Chicago executive with more than thiry years of nonprofit administrative and revenue development experience, will join Merit School of Music as director of development this month. In this role, she will be responsible for managing all fundraising efforts for Merit in the public and private sector and oversee four fundraising professionals. Through a well-directed strategy, she will maintain and expand relationships with existing donors as well as cultivate new relationships with individuals, foundations and corporations.

"Clearly Rita's record of improving the lives of less advantaged people and communities through nonprofit management and administration, strategic planning, and revenue development will guide her in managing our annual $5 million operating budget, of which more than half is supported by contributed revenue," said Tom Bracy, executive director at Merit. "We look forward to her joining our executive team and sharing her creative and strategic insight."

About Merit School of Music

Merit School of Music is a non-profit community music school in Chicago's West Loop providing high-quality classical and jazz music education to 6,000 Chicago-area students, from newborns to age 18. Founded in 1979, Merit seeks to help young people achieve their full potential, to remove economic barriers to participation, and to stimulate personal and educational growth through music.

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Pictured Above: Rita McLennon, newly appointed director of development, Merit School of Music