AmEx NGen Award Goes to Arts Leader

The Independent Sector recently announced Sarah Johnson, director of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, as the 2013 recipient of the American Express NGen Leadership Award. The annual award, part of the NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now initiative, recognizes one accomplished nonprofit leader age 40 or under that shows the ability to collaborate in innovative, inclusive ways to address society’s critical needs. This is the first time an arts leader has received the award.

Collaboration – central to both the arts world and the NGen Initiative – is foremost in Johnson’s work at Carnegie Hall. The Weill Music Institute serves over 400,000 annually with programs and partnerships that allow people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their potential as performers and audience members. One notable project, the award-winning Musical Connections program, partners with over 20 social service agencies to serve people in healthcare settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and senior service organizations.

Nominations for the NGen Leadership Award were evaluated by a committee of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. Finalists submitted essay answers and participated in a Twitter Townhall to share their views on leadership, impact, and opportunities and challenges within the sector. Johnson will receive the award at the Independent Sector National Conference in New York City in September.

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