Spirit of Atlanta Announces National Search for a Full-Time Executive Director and Interim Appointment

ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2026 – Today Spirit of Atlanta Inc. is pleased to announce an intensive

nationwide search for candidates in the role of Executive Director. The successful candidate in this search will direct all administrative functions, execute Spirit of Atlanta's strategic plan, spearhead fundraising execution, and the organization's culture and safety initiatives. They will also play a key role in Spirit of Atlanta's new community education efforts to expand performing arts educational opportunities in Atlanta and the surrounding communities. For complete job description and information on how to apply see Employment Opportunities  

For 50 years Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps has been a proud member of Drum Corps International (DCI) and the Executive Director will be the primary point of contact for Spirit of Atlanta within the DCI community. The Executive Director will be a visionary who is passionate about serving young adults, the Arts, the DCI activity, and representing Atlanta, Georgia in the marching arts at the highest level. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational efficiency and effectiveness of our programs and staff. This seasoned leader will represent the organization within the educational, philanthropic, artistic, and business communities in the Atlanta area.

Also, Spirit of Atlanta's Board of Directors announces that Vicki Ferrence Ray has been

appointed as its Interim Executive Director effective immediately. Vicki, who is a current Spirit Board member, will resign from her board role and begin leading the organization while the search for the new permanent Executive Director proceeds.

Vicki comes to Spirit of Atlanta with more than 20 years of non-profit executive experience. She was the Executive Director for Cadets Arts and Entertainment and Youth Education in the Arts, responsible for leading all operations of CAE and YEA, including programs, fundraising, marketing, information technology, finance, and human resources. Formerly, she was Chief National Programs Officer for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), the nation’s premier youth leadership development organization.

"Vick is an energetic, highly qualified leader whose strategic approach and business aptitude is precisely what we are looking for in an interim executive director." said George Dickinson, President of the Spirit of Atlanta Board of Directors.

About Spirit of Atlanta

Founded in 1976, the Spirit of Atlanta is a Georgia based 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts

organization whose primary mission is to provide young musicians and artists with opportunities to develop life and personal skills through affirmative, high-quality, challenging arts and athletic education programs emphasizing character building, a strong work ethic, teamwork, and the pursuit of performance excellence. Its primary program, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, is a 21-time Drum Corps International World-Class finalist. Comprised of 165 members between the ages of 14-21, the group travels across the United States each year to compete and perform for hundreds of thousands of fans. Performers spend hundreds of hours perfecting a 12-minute show performed on a football field using brass, percussion, color guard (flags, rifles, and sabres), dance, and other exciting performance elements.