FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Harp Society Appoints Megan Sesma as Next Executive Director
June 22, 2026
The American Harp Society (AHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Sesma as its next Executive Director. Ms. Sesma will assume her duties on October 1, 2026 succeeding Kathryn McManus, the Society’s first Executive Director, who will retire at the end of 2026 after almost twelve years of dedicated service to the organization.
A respected performer, educator, arts administrator, and nonprofit leader, Ms. Sesma brings extensive experience in strategic planning, fundraising, organizational leadership, and community engagement. She currently serves as First Vice President of the American Harp Society and has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future through her leadership of both the AHS 2020–2025 and 2025–2030 Strategic Plans.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome Ms. Sesma as the next Executive Director of the American Harp Society,” said AHS President Steve Moss. “Megan’s deep understanding of our organization, combined with her proven leadership experience and commitment to the harp community, make her exceptionally well qualified to lead AHS into its next chapter.”
Ms. Sesma’s service to the American Harp Society spans more than a decade and includes roles as Northeast Regional Director, Second Vice President, Grants Program Committee Member, Chapter leader, and currently First Vice President and Chair of the Society’s Development and Fundraising Committee. Throughout her tenure, she has worked closely with volunteers, chapters, and national leadership to strengthen the Society’s programs and long-term sustainability.
Beyond the AHS, Ms. Sesma has built a distinguished career combining artistic excellence with nonprofit and organizational leadership. She serves as Director of Operations for ArtistWorld, Artist Liaison and Operations Manager for the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges, and Development and Fundraising Fellow for the Community Healing Network. Her professional experience also includes more than twenty years of leadership and operational management with the United States Coast Guard, where she has overseen strategic initiatives, personnel development, budgeting, procurement, education programs, and large-scale event operations. She became the first enlisted principal harpist of the U.S. Coast Guard Band in 2003 and is preparing to retire after over two decades of dedicated service.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, the University of Rochester, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and New York University, Ms. Sesma also holds an MBA with a concentration in Business Administration and Arts Innovation. She is currently participating in the prestigious Sphinx LEAD arts management executive program and recently completed the Encore Connecticut nonprofit executive development program.
“As someone whose life and career have been profoundly shaped by the American Harp Society, I am honored to accept this appointment,” said Ms. Sesma. “The AHS has long been a source of connection, inspiration, and opportunity for harpists across the country. I look forward to working alongside our members, volunteers, donors, and partners to build upon the Society’s strong foundation and ensure its continued growth and impact for future generations.”
Ms. Sesma will work closely with Ms. McManus and the Board of Directors during a transition period beginning October 1 to ensure continuity in operations and strategic initiatives. Her appointment reflects the Society’s commitment to thoughtful leadership succession and positions the AHS for continued growth and service to the harp community.
Ms. McManus, who became the Society’s first Executive Director, has helped guide the AHS through a period of organizational growth and increased professionalization. The Board of Directors extends its gratitude for her leadership and looks forward to celebrating her many contributions as she concludes her tenure at the end of 2026.
Founded in 1962, the American Harp Society is dedicated to promoting the harp and advancing the art of harp playing through education, performance, community engagement, and support for harpists of all ages and levels.
Media Contact:
Allison Volk, Marketing & Communications Manager
American Harp Society
socialmediamanager@harpsociety.org
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