Music Therapy Nonprofit Welcomes New Leader During 20th Anniversary Celebration

San Diego, CA – November 6, 2023: Resounding Joy, a San Diego-based music therapy nonprofit, announces the appointment of Kerri Fox as its new executive director and CEO. Fox takes over leadership from founder and CEO, Barbara Reuer, who is retiring from the organization that serves active duty military and veterans, hospitalized children, senior adults and others in the community. This transition comes after a search led by Resounding Joy board chair Sylvia Imm, in partnership with nonprofit recruiter Pat Libby and a dedicated board subcommittee.

“Exciting times are on the horizon for Resounding Joy as we welcome Kerri Fox to our organization,” said Sylvia Imm, board chair. “Kerri brings a combination of strong nonprofit leadership experience and a solid background in the private sector to help increase the impact of the groundbreaking programs established byBarbara and her staff over the last 20 years.”

Fox has a wealth of professional experience to bring to her new role. She most recently served as a strategic consultant working with small San Diego for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Prior to that, she played a pivotal role on The New Children’s Museum’s leadership team for over a decade. Her journey at the San Diego museum began as director of marketing and progressed through various positions, including vice president, deputy director and ultimately chief operating officer.

During her tenure at The New Children’s Museum, Fox provided strategic guidance and operational oversight to the organization, helping grow its budget to $5.5 million annually. Her efforts yielded substantial growth in museum awareness locally and nationally, as well as double-digit increases across earned revenue streams including admission, membership, programs, events and visitor amenities. Fox was a strong partner in driving contributed revenue and was instrumental in expanding the museum’s annual fundraising benefit.

“I am deeply motivated by the power of a mission-driven approach and dedicated to making a positive impact through my work. I am truly honored to assume the role of executive director and CEO at Resounding Joy,” said Fox. “Music therapy is an indispensable and burgeoning field, offering invaluable services to diverse audiences. I am excited about the opportunity to build upon Barbara Reuer’s extraordinary legacy and extend the benefits of music therapy to enable more individuals in our community to thrive and flourish.”

Fox’s early career includes account management roles at advertising agencies in Los Angeles and Chicago, and serving as national marketing director for $1 billion restaurant chain IHOP. Fox is a dedicated member of the San Diego Museum Council board, where she has held various leadership roles including marketing chair, vice president and president.

Resounding Joy was born out of the desire to bridge the gap in accessibility of music therapy services. Recognizing that many individuals lacked the means to access these services through for-profit entities, the nonprofit was established to fill this void. Its mission is to bring the healing power of music therapy to individuals and groups across San Diego. The driving force behind this endeavor for the past 20 years has been Reuer, internationally known for her expertise in music-centered wellness and music therapy. She has a doctorate with emphasis in music therapy from the University of Iowa.

“I am confident Resounding Joy is in a strong position with our new CEO, Kerri Fox,” shared Reuer. “There always are opportunities hidden within change. I look forward to seeing how Kerri creatively shapes the growth that lies ahead.”

Resounding Joy achieves its goals through a diverse range of funding sources, including grants, corporate support, foundations and the generous contributions of individual donors. These vital resources enable their team of board-certified music therapists to make a profound impact on the lives of over 3,000 people annually. The organization’s multifaceted approach encompasses four major programs, each tailored to meet the unique needs of various audiences within the community:

  1. Sounds of Service: Resounding Joy recognizes and addresses the special needs of military service members, veterans, first responders and their families through music therapy.
  2. Sounds of Healing: Hospitalized children or those facing various illnesses and challenges find solace and growth through music therapy.
  3. Sounds of Legacy: The organization extends its care to seniors, fostering emotional well-being and connection through the therapeutic benefits of music.
  4. Sounds of Community: Resounding Joy reaches out to the broader community, ensuring that music therapy is accessible to all who may benefit from it.

Resounding Joy is hosting a special benefit event in Point Loma on December 2, which serves three purposes: to celebrate the legacy and retirement of Barbara Reuer; to commemorate the organization’s 20th anniversary; and to officially welcome Kerri Fox as its new leader. VIP tickets are priced at $100, while standard tickets are available for $50. Details can be found at https://resoundingjoyinc.org/

 

About Resounding Joy

Resounding Joy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2004, has connected the healing power of music therapy to more than 171,000 individuals and groups throughout the San Diego community for over two decades. With a team of board-certified music therapists, Resounding Joy consistently demonstrates the profound impact music can have on physical, emotional and social well-being. In alignment with its mission, the organization serves diverse audiences through four major programs: Sounds of Service (military), Sounds of Healing (hospitalized children and their families), Sounds of Legacy (seniors), and Sounds of Community (broad outreach to others in the community). Resounding Joy recently celebrated the opening of its first satellite location in Indianapolis, IN, and is evaluating further expansion in the coming years. For more information about Resounding Joy and its transformative work, please visit our website at https://resoundingjoyinc.org/.