Swallow Hill Music has selected Aengus Finnan as President and CEO following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He will begin his tenure on October 1, 2022.
With a distinguished international career of more than 20 years in music and performing arts, Aengus Finnan most recently served as Executive Director at Folk Alliance International (FAI). During his tenure, Finnan doubled the institution’s annual budget, increased its global reach from 9 to 46 countries, and cultivated vital partnerships with several renowned organizations, including UNESCO, Recording Academy, International Rescue Committee, and Smithsonian. Under his leadership, FAI launched an Artist in Residence program and initiated a Global Summit series, with a focus on diverse and equitable representation. Prior, Finnan held the position as Officer at Ontario Arts Council, where he supported all aspects of audience development. He also served as Program Manager for Community Futures, the founding Artistic Director for the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, and spent a decade touring North America as singer-songwriter.
Finnan is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Golden Jubilee Medal for cultural contributions to Canada, an Alumni Award of Distinction from Nipissing University, and the New Folk songwriting award from the Kerrville Folk Festival. He fulfilled a juror role for Grammy Awards (USA), Juno Awards (Canada), Russian World Music Awards (Russia), Lyon World Music Film Festival (France). His current affiliations include Performing Arts Alliance as a Board member and Friends of Qaggiavuut Performing Arts Center as an Advisor. Finnan holds an international baccalaureate from Pearson United World College, bachelor of fine arts in drama in education from Concordia University, and bachelor of education in native education from Nipissing University.
In making the announcement, Swallow Hill Music Board Chair Walt Dehaven said, “On behalf of the entire Swallow Hill community, I want to share how excited we are about Aengus coming on as our new CEO. His depth of experience and leadership in the music industry on an international level lends itself exceptionally well to the work we are doing here in Colorado. This, coupled with Aengus’s passion for music education, musical expression, and community engagement make him the ideal person to lead us forward.”
“I am thrilled and honored to join the Swallow Hill team,” said Aengus Finnan. “As a mission-based organization with a remarkable staff and incredible programs, there is an exciting opportunity for us to now focus on expanding our reach and deepening our impact for the full diversity of Denver and the region, while leveraging our national legacy in contemporary ways.”
“Congratulations to Swallow Hill Music, as well as its board, staff, and teachers, on the appointment of Aengus Finnan as its new President and CEO,” said ACG President Bruce D. Thibodeau. “A trusted voice within the arts and culture community, Finnan brings a balance of expertise, innovative vision, and commitment to diversity in all forms that will serve Swallow Hill Music’s mission as it continues on a wonderful path of service to the community.”
September 2022