Administrative Directory – Advocacy Council 2026-2027

The PMEA Advocacy Council shall advocate for music education and train members to be advocates. The council chair shall be elected by and from the council for a two-year term. The remainder of the council shall be composed of 12 district advocacy representatives, 4 industry representatives, and other such members as determined by the PMEA President with the approval of the Board of Directors. There may also be a nonvoting ex-officio representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Advocacy Council Chair

Vacant

Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) Chair

Chuck Neidhardt – Retired

District Advocacy Representatives

District 1

Kayla Holsopple, South Allegheny School District

District 2

Chris Wise, Warren County School District

District 3

Tina Bennett, Retired

District 4

Richard Kane, Huntingdon Area School District

District 5

Lee Caldwell, Ellwood City Area School District

District 6

Catherine Kasun, Conemaugh Township Area School District

District 7

Russell McCutcheon, Gettysburg College

District 8

Vacant

District 9

Jennifer Gerhard, MMI Preparatory School

District 10

Michaela Madaio, Allentown School District

District 11

Debbie Lynn Wolf, Cairn University

District 12

Ben Weaver, Rose Tree Media School District

Industry Representatives

Sarah Gulish, F-flat Books

Paul Murr, Menchey Music Service

Beth Schiemer, Brighton Music Center

Peter Sides, Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers

Ex-Officio Members

Pennsylvania Departmnet of Education

David Dietz – Pennsylvania Department of Education Consultant

PMEA Direvtor of Public and Government Affairs

Mark Despotakis