Our board of directors is pleased to announce that Ana Byers has been chosen to serve as Executive Director, following the planned retirement of Val Rogers. It is RWM's good fortune to have Val join the board as part of this leadership transition as she has been a part of the Rogue World Music vision from the beginning.

Val Rogers, singing & directing the 2019 Step We Gaily Rogue World Ensemble Concert

“The seeds of what grew into Rogue World Music were planted in both Megan (Danforth) and me through separate experiences we had with Village Harmony. We actually met at the inaugural Village Harmony Oregon camp that I organized in 2007. We formed a powerful bond through that epic 10-day immersion into singing traditions from around the world." ~ Val

Megan founded the Rogue World Ensemble in 2009, with the organization presenting beloved, lively concerts of world folk music for 10 years in the Rogue Valley guided by her artistic vision. Val served on the Stewardship Council for several years, sharing her expertise in choral and nonprofit management as the organization matured, diversified, and changed its name to Rogue World Music. In 2016, she shifted from serving on the Stewardship Council to step up as Rogue World Music‘s first Executive Director.

“Working with Val during her tenure at RWM has been a joy. She was exactly the leader the organization needed to navigate the transition from an all-volunteer to a professionally staffed organization. She brought financial growth and stability to the organization, while also developing strong relationships in the community and with and a number of Oregon cultural arts funders.” ~ Mark Knippel, RWM Board President.

Val Rogers, performing with the Rogue World Ensemble in the 2016 Won Birin Kirin Concert

Under Val's leadership, we...

Established a music festival by

Founding a partnership to produce the annual Ashland World Music Festival in partnership with Ashland Parks & Rec.
Organizing (and fund) the founding of the AWMF steering committee.
Adding new AWMF events, like the Winter SoundWalk.
Raising approximately $20,000 in fire relief for Almeda Fire survivors via the AWMF.

Expanded our programming beyond Ashland by

Teaching world music workshops at Crater Renaissance Academy in Central Point.
Bringing our Songbirds world music to elementary schools in Talent, Phoenix, and South Medford in partnership with the Phoenix-Talent School District.
Supporting the community-organized Almeda Fire Commemoration.
Sourcing funding for new staff to support expanding programs.

Followed shifting community needs by

Reaching a DECADE of Rogue World Ensemble productions.
Launching a Cultural Outreach Project.
Offering direct services to individual culture-bearing artists.
Seeking out new community partnerships with Ballet Folklórico, B.A.S.E., Unete, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, Project de la Raíz, and more.

Made it through COVID by

Taking the AWMF virtual.
Conserving resources while finding new sources of funding.
Revising our organizations' strategic plan, updating the RWM mission, and planning program development accordingly.

“The past two years have been challenging for arts organizations. Val and Ana have used this time very strategically to explore new programs aimed at amplifying and celebrating the diversity of the Rogue Valley.” ~ Mark Knippel, RWM Board President.

Val informed the board of her desire to retire in mid-2020, but continued with RWM to help navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic and ensure an orderly leadership transition. Ana assumed the role of Executive Director on December 1, 2021.

“We are thrilled that Ana will be leading the organization going forward. Ana is a rare talent with leadership skills, creativity, and innovation. She is passionate about how RWM can strengthen our diverse communities of the Rogue Valley. The board is excited to continue working with Ana in this role on projects that enhance the lives of everyone in our area.” ~ Mark Knippel, RWM Board President

RWM Leadership Transition