BLUE HILL — Bennett Konesni has been named interim Executive Director at Bagaduce Music following the retirement of Teresa Myrwang. 

Konesni most recently served as a trustee for the organization and co-chaired the Programs committee. He brings a Master of Business Administration and 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to the role. 

He is familiar to many in the area, as well as in Maine and New England as a musician and performer with the Gawler Family Band and Drive Train. He has also taught at Maine Fiddle Camp and is Belfast’s resident shantyman aboard Bantry Bay Gigs and schooners that sail along the coast of Maine in summer. Konesni has toured internationally as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Department of State. 

“I grew up on Islesboro and in Appleton, Maine, so I bring together this lifelong love and understanding of rural Maine with my professional experiences both in-state and in Vermont and New York,” said Konesni, in a news release.

Outgoing Executive Director Teresa Myrwang has worked closely with Konesni in his capacity on the Board of Trustees over the last couple of years and was instrumental in recruiting him to the Board. 

“I was initially motivated by both his youthful energy and tremendous talent when I first saw him performing with the Gawler Family Band at our Blue Hill Wintermarket; as I learned more about his tremendously experienced and varied background in the non-profit sector, I became convinced he would be a huge asset to our organization,” said Myrwang. “He is very well suited to the job of Executive Director. I expect to remain involved in Bagaduce Music in a supporting Development role and Bennett and Bagaduce Music have my full support going forward.”  

Konesni began his interim role on November 1 and can be reached at bennett@bagaducemusic.org.

Bagaduce Music is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation with a mission to collect, preserve and lend printed music and to promote the appreciation, knowledge, and performance of music.