Adonia Calhoun Coates: Introducing AMTA’s CEO
This AMTA-Pro podcast features a conversation with AMTA’s new Chief Executive Officer, Adonia Calhoun Coates, CAE, CMP. After talking briefly about her previous professional experience, Adonia tells the podcast listeners about her enthusiasm for joining the AMTA team and working with the dedicated community of music therapists. She shares stories about her hearing of the AMTA CEO job opportunity and about her personal long-term connection with music therapy through a family member. Adonia talks about some ideas, immediate projects, and future plans for advancing AMTA’s mission and goals as well as for heightening awareness, increasing collaboration, and a strengthening commitment to expanding the reach of music therapy. You can also see this conversation in video on the AMTA YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/Y4VmUIELWB8
Adonia Calhoun Coates: Introducing AMTA’s CEO
AMTA-Pro Podcast ~ April 12, 2021
NOTE: You can also see this conversation in video on the AMTA YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/Y4VmUIELWB8
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Board of Directors announced Adonia Calhoun Coates, CAE, CMP as its new Chief Executive Officer beginning October 16, 2020. A seasoned association executive, Ms. Coates has served for the past thirteen years at the American Thyroid Association, most recently as Associate Executive Director. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in association and event strategy, strategic governance, partner relations and organizational management. Her focus on innovation in education and programming has led to the development of multiple revenue generating programs supporting significant growth in exhibitors, sponsors, membership and meeting income. Ms. Coates’ passion for building relationships has supported numerous industry collaborations and partnerships.
Her prior experience includes developing educational programs for the Association for Community College Trustees, and leading multi-million dollar NIH contracts focused on research and program management while at Palladian Partners.
An American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Diversity Executive Leadership Program scholar, Ms. Coates said, “I look forward to joining the AMTA team to engage a diverse community of music therapists dedicated to advancing the association’s mission, goals, and initiatives.”
President Williams shares her enthusiasm with the Board in welcoming Ms. Coates to AMTA. “We are excited to partner with Ms. Coates and move into the future with heightened awareness, increased collaboration, and a strengthened commitment to expanding the reach of music therapy.”
Ms. Coates’ personal connection to AMTA stems from having witnessed the long-term benefits of music therapy with her autistic niece. She has seen first-hand the healing power of music therapy, and today is thrilled to partner with AMTA to expand music therapy recognition while leading the organization through systemic transformation.