Fundraising Staff Update
As we approach January 1, 2026, the official effective date of the restructure of Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and Harmony Foundation International (HFI) into a supported/supporting organizational structure, the Barbershop Harmony Society is pleased to share an update on staffing for the new team dedicated to our fundraising efforts.
While our work continues to ensure operational readiness on January 1, all member and donor support operations continue without interruption. Please consider supporting our future in harmony by directing gifts toward specific BHS programs through HFI during this interim period. Your gifts will go a long way to ensure success in our efforts.
We anticipate this re-organization will maximize our impact, streamline operations, and ensure stronger alignment between our mission and our donors’ goals, while leveraging the proven strengths of HFI and BHS. In support of these goals, we are excited to announce the appointment of the team members kicking off our new fundraising operation. Each has deep organizational and community knowledge, as well as extensive experience with the responsibilities required for success. Please welcome them to their new roles.
JOE CERUTTI, Director of Philanthropy
A familiar face to our community, Joe Cerutti will lead the development of the philanthropy team in its new structure in collaboration with BHS leaders and Board of Directors. For the past decade, Joe has focused on transforming the mindset of barbershop chapters across North America through a philanthropic lens, utilizing innovative strategies not commonly found in the barbershop community. Under his leadership, his home chapter’s budget grew to more than a quarter of a million dollars, thanks to the implementation of strategic giving campaigns, annual days of giving, and a robust philanthropic plan.
These approaches, informed by his dedication to self-education on best practices across regions, demographics, and organization types, have proven successful in chapters willing to think creatively, step outside traditional models, and engage deeply with their communities. As a consultant, he has supported chapters across North America and shared insights globally, adapting to philanthropic practices that vary by region.
Joe also pioneered the BHS Big Leap pilot workshop, empowering chapter leaders to embrace their growth potential as community arts organizations. His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering cultures that celebrate engagement through time, talent, and treasure, creating lasting impact in the barbershop community and beyond. He is actively pursuing accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
CHRISTINA BREWER, Fundraising Campaign and Donor Engagement Officer
Christina Brewer will lead national efforts in fundraising and donor engagement. She is an experienced nonprofit communications and marketing professional with a strong background in philanthropy-focused organizations. For the past two years, she served as Director of Communications for HFI, where she led multi-channel marketing, donor communications, board communication management, and the creation of print, digital, and video content that advances the HFI’s philanthropic mission.
Previously, Christina spent 15 years as Director of Marketing at Chestnut Fine Arts Center, managing donor relations, subscription campaigns, and strategic outreach efforts that strengthened community engagement. Her earlier roles with Church of the Resurrection and Sprint Nextel also reflect a long commitment to community-centered initiatives, including project management for United Way and Harvesters campaigns. With a foundation in strategic communications and a passion for mission-driven work, Christina brings a seasoned and creative approach to elevating nonprofit impact.
DIXIE SEMICH, Development Operations Manager
Dixie Semich will establish and manage the operations supporting our team and supporters. Dixie is an experienced nonprofit professional with more than 25 years in philanthropy, donor relations, and organizational operations. She began her career at the Nashville Rescue Mission before joining HFI in 2008, where she advanced from database management to development leadership after earning her Blackbaud Certified Professional credentials.
Dixie’s work spans donor stewardship, prospect research, strategic fundraising, and key administrative and financial oversight – all grounded in her belief that philanthropy is ultimately about people and the meaningful impact their generosity makes possible.
RICK TAYLOR, Legacy Gifts Officer
Rick Taylor will enhance our legacy giving program by working with donors who wish to strengthen our future in harmony through estate planning. Rick has been a devoted member of the BHS for nearly 57 years, beginning his journey as a quartet singer at age 15 and joining the Society at 16. His commitment to barbershop extends well beyond performance. He has been a Regional Director for HFI for almost a decade, supporting philanthropic efforts that fund programs enriching lives through singing.
A respected quartet and chorus coach and a longtime faculty member of the Mid Atlantic District’s Harmony College East since 1979, Rick has dedicated much of his life to teaching, mentoring, and elevating singers across the Society. A four-time Mid Atlantic District Quartet Champion and an eight-time international bronze medalist, Rick embodies a lifelong passion for harmony that has shaped both his musical and philanthropic legacy.
TYLER WIGGINTON, Philanthropy Officer
Tyler Wigginton will serve in a similar capacity as his recent role with HFI, working with members of our community to bring their generosity to impact. A nonprofit fundraising professional and arts leader whose work bridges philanthropy, performance, and community engagement, he has served as the BHS’s National Fundraiser for HFI for more than two years, and brings additional nonprofit experience as Program Development Associate for St. Martin’s Chamber Choir and as an Annual Fund Ambassador for Metropolitan State University of Denver.
In the barbershop community, Tyler has served as the Rocky Mountain District’s Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations and Vice President of Choral Director Development, directed the Timberliners chorus, and currently leads Sound of the Rockies as Musical Director while remaining active in contemporary music, educational outreach, and grant writing through his work as Assistant Artistic Director for The Playground Ensemble.
WELCOME BACK! Additionally, after serving as Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Project Chimps for the past two years, we are excited that Jeremy Gover will return to BHS in a full-time role to amplify our media efforts with top-quality video production. His efforts will support both philanthropy and marketing initiatives.
JEREMY GOVER, Video Content Strategist
Jeremy Gover will return to the Harmony Hall staff as Video Content Strategist. Jeremy was the video production manager of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) from 2014 - 2023. He is directly responsible for the Society's video footprint and he was the driving force in growing the Society's YouTube channel from 20,000 subscribers in 2014 to over 224,000 today. Gover came to BHS after a distinguished radio career in the Nashville market and continues to work with the Nashville Predators Radio Network and with AP-Radio, where he has covered some of the top sporting events in North America including the Stanley Cup Finals, and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and the Final Four. He hosted The Barbershop 7th Hour on Acaville Radio as well as the podcast Sitting Down With Stand Ups , which focuses on the art of stand-up comedy. Jeremy lives in Spring Hill with his wife, Lynn, and son, Mogilny.
This unification is more than an organizational change; it is an investment in our future in harmony. By integrating vital expertise from BHS and HFI, we are positioned to achieve ambitious goals, expand our reach, and create an even greater, lasting difference in communities through music, education, and camaraderie. Contact the philanthropy team for more information.