FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | JULY 14, 2026
PRESS CONTACT: JODIE MCMENAMIN
617-267-5777 | jodiemcmenamin@projectstep.org
Project STEP Appoints New Board President
Project STEP is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Mackey as President of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026.
Chris has served on Project STEP’s Board of Directors since 2021, bringing thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to governance. After joining the Board, he served on the Finance Committee before being elected Treasurer, and has played an instrumental role on both the Strategic Planning Committee and the Executive Search Committee.
Throughout his tenure, Chris has helped guide the organization on matters of financial stewardship, governance, and long-term sustainability, working closely with Board and organizational leadership during a period of significant growth and transformation.
As Board President, Chris will partner with Executive Director Élider DiPaula, the Board of Directors, and Project STEP’s staff to advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities while ensuring strong governance and organizational sustainability.
In accepting the role, Chris shared:“It is an honor to serve as President of the Board of Directors for Project STEP. I am grateful for the confidence of my fellow board members and look forward to working with Élider, our staff, and my colleagues on the Board as we continue to strengthen the organization and expand opportunities for the young musicians we serve.”
Chris is the Chief Financial Officer at Boston College High School (BC High), where he oversees the school’s finance, accounting, budgeting, facilities, campus security, and information technology functions. Since joining BC High in 2019, he has helped lead the school’s long-range financial planning and operational strategy. Prior to BC High, Chris served as Director of Finance at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts.
Throughout his career, Chris has been committed to mission-driven organizations that expand opportunity and strengthen communities. His passion for music and arts education, coupled with his background in strategic financial leadership, reflects a deep belief in the transformative impact of organizations like Project STEP. Chris lives in Medford, MA, with his wife and two children.
“Chris has always led with both rigor and heart. He’s been a steady, trusted partner since I arrived at Project STEP, and his financial expertise as Treasurer gave our Board a strong foundation to build on. I’ve long admired his clarity of thought and generosity as a Board member. As we head into our 45th anniversary year, I couldn’t be more confident in his leadership as President. I know his enthusiasm and belief in our mission will help carry us into this next chapter and beyond.” — Élider DiPaula, Executive Director, Project STEP
About Project STEP—Since 1982, Project STEP (String Training Education Program) has provided talented young musicians that identify with historically underrepresented groups in classical music with comprehensive music instruction. It is the Nation’s first college and career pathway program for students of color in classical music. Students receive a nearly fully-funded education that includes private lessons, ensemble lessons, orchestra, theory, masterclasses, summer music camps, mentorship, an instrument, and more for up to 12 years. By removing socio-economic barriers, Project STEP provides individual student-centric support by cultivating community, collaboration, and student excellence through music. Project STEP envisions a world in which the classical music profession reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of our communities. projectstep.org
