Succession Planning in the Arts

Next date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM

Listen to panelists from local organizations discuss their experience with succession planning and transitions. Presented by the NVLAA.

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Meet the Panelists

Katie McCreary, Director of Development/Curriculum and Teaching Artist, Educational Theatre Company (ETC)
Katie McCreary began working with ETC mere days after moving to the DC-area from Atlanta. After beginning as an after school Teaching Artist, she joined core staff about nine months later as Director of Curriculum Development and became ETC's first Director of Development in late 2015. Since that time, Katie has been an active member of the executive leadership team while also continuing to remain a key teaching artist for year-round programming, helping her to stay connected to ETC's mission and partners. When not working with ETC, Katie continues to work as a freelance Lighting Designer throughout DC and Baltimore (select companies include Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Rorschach Theatre, and Peabody Opera Theater). She has previously worked as a Production Manager for both Georgia Shakespeare (LORT D) and Chautauqua Theater Company. Katie carries degrees in both Theater and Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Kristin Walega, Executive Director, Alexandria Singers
Kristin Walega is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, strengthening teams, and building systems that support long-term impact. She has led teams at high-impact organizations including City Year and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. As the founder of Unstoppable Strategies LLC, a boutique nonprofit consulting practice, Kristin partners with mission-driven organizations to provide strategic and operational support across HR, program execution, fundraising, and communications.

Kristin joined The Alexandria Singers in January 2024 as an Alto, returning to her love of choral music from her high school and college glee club days. In October 2024, she became Executive Director, combining her nonprofit experience with her passion for community arts and music accessibility. Throughout her career, Kristin has been committed to building inclusive, diverse communities and expanding access to meaningful opportunities for connection, creativity, and engagement. Since stepping into the role, she’s been working closely with the Board and Singers to support operations, strengthen fundraising efforts, and lead the chorus through the transition to a new Music Director. Kristin is committed to growing the Singers’ reach, deepening our connection to the community, and helping ensure the group’s next 50 years are as vibrant as the first.

David Welch, Executive Director, Choralis
David Welch is Executive Director of the Choralis Foundation, a position he has held since early 2025. Prior to his current role, David spent nearly 30 years in consulting, retiring from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Senior Partner and Managing Director. David led the People & Organization topic for BCG’s global retail practice and held several internal people-focused roles. David has extensive experience in leadership, strategy, management, and organizational effectiveness. He is excited to apply the lessons he learned across private, government, and non-profit clients to help Choralis navigate its upcoming leadership transition.

When

Location

online via Zoom