CMS April Spotlight - Rachel Roberts
(Program Chair, 2024 CMS National Conference)
Rachel Roberts is the Program Chair for the 2024 CMS National Conference, which will be held this fall (November 7–9) in Washington, DC. In addition to her work as Program Chair with CMS, Rachel serves as the Director of the Eastman Institute for Music Leadership, overseeing all Institute activities and programs. As Associate Professor of Music Leadership, she continues to teach in and oversee Eastman’s fully online MA in Music Leadership graduate degree. In April 2023, Rachel also added the newly created position of Director, ESM Strategic Initiatives to help the Eastman Dean oversee the implementation of the goals, projects, and activities associated with the strategic plan. Rachel is currently pursuing her Education Doctorate from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, with a focus in higher education leadership. In her spare time, Rachel teaches women’s self-defense and trains Gracie Jiu Jitsu; volunteers to facilitate AAUW salary negotiation workshops in an effort to eliminate the gender wage gap; is an avid runner, hiker, and kayaker; is always cooking new vegan recipes in her kitchen; and enjoys taking her Cocker Spaniel, Cocoa, on therapy dog visits throughout the greater Rochester community.
We recently had the opportunity to reach out to Rachel to talk about her role with CMS and what she’s most excited about for the 2024 CMS National Conference. We hope you enjoy reading her responses, and we hope you’ll join us in Washington, DC this fall!
Q: How did you begin your involvement with CMS, and what led you to join the program committee for the 2024 CMS National Conference?