The Audio Engineering Society (AES) has announcesd that executive director Colleen Harper, who has led the organization’s headquarters staff for the past three years, will step down in March 2022.
During her tenure Harper worked hand-in-hand with the society’s volunteer leadership, members and industry partners to shepherd the society through a period of transition due to the repercussions of the global pandemic.
“The AES has been privileged to have Colleen’s experience and unique skill set to rely upon during trying times,” says Josh Reiss, AES president. “Not only is the AES in the best financial position it’s been in for years, despite a global pandemic, but Colleen has also helped usher in forward-looking operational plans, procedures and practices that will further solidify the Society’s role as the world’s leading professional audio technological organization. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Board of Governors and the Society’s membership, we offer Colleen our sincere gratitude and wish her well as her career takes her in new directions.”
“I care deeply about the AES, and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Harper adds. “The past three years have been a tremendously rewarding experience and some of the most challenging and enjoyable years I could have imagined. My decision to step down has been a difficult one, but I leave knowing that I have accomplished the goals established when I joined the AES. As I leave to pursue a new challenge, I am genuinely sad to leave the Society, its dedicated staff and leadership, and the wonderful community that has accepted me as one of its own.”
The AES board of directors is in the process of creating a search committee to work with an outside search firm in the selection of Harper’s permanent replacement. Bill Foster, a veteran of AES leadership who served as interim executive director during the search that led to the hiring of Harper, has agreed to serve again as assume the role upon Harper’s departure.
“Bill has proven his ability to see the society through this type of transition,” said Reiss. “The board of directors has every confidence that he will once again provide the interim leadership needed. Colleen has set a high standard of performance that will be a perfect template to guide our search for her replacement.”
