Next in the series is Bill McLaughlin, a retired public official and longtime music afficionado.
Background & Music Involvement: Bill McLaughlin spent his career deeply involved in state and local government, including working with the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. But while he spent his career in government, McLaughlin has had a passion for music from a young age.
While his family was not musical, he sang in the boy choir in his parish. The choirmaster, a significant person in McLaughlin’s life, took him and a friend under his wing and introduced them to music, art, and ideas. A local barber who loved classical music also set up earphones in his barbershop, introducing McLaughlin to opera.
He took to music instinctively, and began collecting records from the store near him.
After the priest of his church took him to The Philadelphia Orchestra for the first time, he knew that music would always be a part of his life.
How did he learn about The Presser Foundation?: McLaughlin met longtime Presser Foundation Trustee Robert Capanna when McLaughlin worked at the city and had become involved with the Philadelphia Singers, the resident chorus of The Philadelphia Orchestra. A mentor to McLaughlin over the years, Capanna nominated him for The Presser Foundation Board when McLaughlin served as the president of the Musical Fund Society.
Board Member Since: 2009
Role at the Foundation: 1st Vice President, Advancement of Music Committee Chair, Assistance Committee
Favorite Memory of being on the Board: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my colleagues on the Board. Serving on the Board gives me the opportunity to sustain a keen interest in the musical life of Philadelphia while also being able to be a member of an organization that makes substantial material contributions to the community.
“I’m most proud of serving as the Chair of the Advancement of Music Committee, which has given millions in general operating support to hundreds of organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Area.”
Impact of the Foundation: “In recent years, I’m glad to see that we’ve been able to make a significant impact on smaller, newer music organizations as they emerge in the space.”
Where he sees the Foundation in the next 5-10 years: “I believe that the Foundation will continue to fulfill its ultimate purpose of giving to music organizations. Throughout the years that I’ve served on the Board, we’ve never lost sight of that primary focus.”
What does he do in his free time: McLaughlin enjoys listening to live music, particularly choral music, and in his home. He likes to read nonfiction and travel to Maine.
