MTNA 2025 Leadership Summit: President-Elect Ranko Konishi-Houston
I attended the MTNA 28th Anniversary Leadership Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, from September 5th – 7th, with my colleague Alison Barr.
The summit started with a warm welcome speech from MTNA President Kevin Chance, followed by MTNA CEO Brian Shepard. Each session was very well organized and provided valuable information on finance, marketing, business resources, MTNA’s plans, and the essential knowledge needed to serve as a State President. The summit also helped attendees understand how different states manage their programs.
I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes and means to be a leader. I was overwhelmed, but at the same time, I felt a strong appreciation for MTNA and the contributions of our past MMTA Presidents to the organization.
L-R: New Hampshire Representative Carleen Graff; MMTA’s President -Elect Ranko Konishi-Houston; Alison Barr, MTNA’s Eastern Division Director: Maine President, Amy Irish
One of the main highlights at the summit was MTNA's excitement about the upcoming 2026 Conference in Chicago, where we will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Many states are doing something special to mark the occasion. Brian Shepard, MTNA CEO, made a special announcement, enthusiastically describing Massachusetts’s project. — a 10-minute documentary about Eben Tourjée, the first president of MTNA (1876), who also founded the New England Conservatory in 1867. Particularly noteworthy is our production engineer, Rob Gati, who is a former WBZ/NBC news producer! The completed video will be featured at the MTNA Chicago conference! I was pleased to hear the announcement and proud to be from Massachusetts. I am grateful for our board members, especially Ellyses Kuan, Valerie Stark, and Dorothy Travis, and Alison Barr, for taking on this project and making it happen for MMTA.
The summit was full of smart, innovative “doers” who inspired me. Alison Barr led our Eastern Division meeting during the summit and delivered a presentation, “Music Lessons for Everyone: Developing a Program Inspired by MMTA’s Music Connect." I am in awe of all the good that this MMTA program does, helping make lessons accessible to those who might not otherwise have them.
It was an honor to attend the summit with Alison. I sincerely thank Alison for being there for me during my first time attending the summit. Her presence made it easier. I also thank President Valerie Stark for giving me the opportunity to attend and for helping me prepare. MTNA President Kevin Chance said: “Collaboration among all voices is essential and powerful for innovation.” I have returned home with this motto in mind. I look forward to continuing to learn and working with Alison, Valerie, the board members, and all the MMTA members.
Thank you.
Ranko Konishi-Houston, MMTA President-Elect