Lochlin Partners Assists Music for All with CEO Search
September 18, 2025 – After a nationwide search, Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of James Weaver as president and CEO of Music for All in Indianapolis, IN. “As a board, we were attracted by James’ experience and understanding of the musical ecosphere,” said Doug Pileri, chairman of the board of directors. “But we were equally impressed by the respect he’s earned along the way. Those who’ve worked with him and for him, as well as those he’s worked for, applaud his leadership ability combined with his collaborative approach. He’s a pragmatic visionary who sets high expectations but involves others in getting things done.”
“James is a quick study,” Mr. Pileri said. “In the interviews he’s had throughout the search process, he’s proven that he understands our strengths and position in the marketplace. But, as important, he’s already beginning to envision some exciting possibilities for our future. As we’ve told him clearly, we’re not hiring a CEO for where we are today; we’re hiring a CEO to take us where Music for All needs to go tomorrow. And, with our strong and capable staff, we’re confident he can help lead us there.”
Dr. Weaver most recently served as director of performing arts and sports for the National Federation of State High School Associations, where his vision and direction in strategic planning, initiative creation, compliance standards development, and partnership building have transformed the performing arts department into a nationally recognized model for innovative arts education programming.
During the pandemic, Dr. Weaver helped drive efforts to bring the arts back to life in schools; today, he’s a recognized leader in pioneering initiatives that elevate participation, training, and advocacy in arts education for students across the nation. He serves concurrently as the president of the board of the National Music Council of the United States, where he has advanced advocacy efforts while strengthening its financial and governance structures.
“Music is a very large and ever-changing landscape,” Dr. Weaver said. “But I see it through the eyes of my fourth-grade self who first picked up a bass – and found it changed my life. And so, my question is: how do we ensure that we help make opportunities like that for kids at every level, in every zip code? That’s the mission of Music for All – but that’s also the story of my life; so that’s a foundation for the passion I have for this new assignment ahead.”
“This is a perfect time for us to recognize that what took us here may not be sufficient to take us forward,” Mr. Pileri said. “As a board and as an organization, we realized we needed a strong and visionary CEO at the helm to provide leadership into that future – and in Dr. James Weaver, we’ve found that.”
Ready for Growth and Innovation
“I feel that Music for All is ready for growth and innovation,” Dr. Weaver said. “I want to spend the first month listening and learning – from the board, from internal staff, and from our external partners. At this stage, I believe Music for All has the resources and flexibility to extend its leadership, as the landscape of music education in the United States evolves. I believe that Music for All is well prepared for the future, and I’m thrilled to be at the helm of the organization, not just for what it is, but for what I know it can become.”
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Founded in 1975, Music for All is a destination – and sets the standard – for school music ensemble performance and music education advocacy. Music for All provides ensemble experiences, hands-on opportunities for individual student performance training and growth, and teacher professional development.
Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, and Pat Friel. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Friel has provided executive search and leadership advisory services to a broad range of clients. He works extensively with clients in government, financial services, technology and professional services organizations, trade and membership associations, and non-profits, helping these clients build world-class management teams. Mr. Friel provides particular expertise in recruiting senior executives in the areas of general management (CEOs and general managers), financial management (CFOs, controllers, tax and audit leadership) and business management functions including marketing, business development, legal and human resources.
Ms. Wright has over 25 years of experience in the executive search industry. Prior to co-founding Lochlin Partners, she served at the highest levels of government, working at the White House as the assistant to the President and director of Presidential Personnel. As the senior personnel advisor to former President George W. Bush, she met with the President regularly to recommend individuals to fill critical presidential appointments, including Cabinet Secretaries, Ambassadors and other key positions in Cabinet-level departments and U.S. regulatory agencies.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
