Santa Clara, California – The Vanguard Music and Performing Arts Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointments of Jeremy Van Wert as its new Executive Director and Michael Kovalich as the new Chief Financial Officer. Van Wert and Kovalich shared the role of Co-Interim Executive Directors of the organization for the past 10 months.
“The VMAPA Board is thrilled to have these leaders who have long shared the values,
traditions, and vision for the organization” Board President, Jennifer Bauman stated. “It
has been a challenging year for VMAPA and for the entire world, but Jeremy and Mike, in partnership with Michael Gaines, have guided us through it with their leadership and passion for the activity. I look forward to continuing to work with this team.”
About Jeremy Van Wert
Jeremy Van Wert joined the Vanguard Cadet corps as a quad drummer in 1995, later joining the Santa Clara Vanguard A-Corps from 1996-1998. After aging out, he completed a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jeremy built a successful career in community-based mental health services in the Sacramento area and spent 7 years as a Utilization Manager at Kaiser Permanente. He completed a Master of Business Administration while working for Kaiser. Jeremy then joined the senior leadership team as Vice President of Residential Services and Business Development at Summitview Child & Family Services in Placerville, CA where he built a residential program for adults experiencing mental health crises. Jeremy joined the Vanguard Board of Directors in 2019 and became the Interim Co-Executive Director of VMAPA from July 2020 to the present.
Jeremy has an abiding faith in the potential of others and promotes a culture of enthusiasm, positivity, empathy and kindness as a method of leadership. He utilizes the energy and creativity naturally available in the hearts and spirits of those around him to invigorate systems into becoming the most effective, innovative and flexible structures possible. Jeremy learned the values, fortitude, perseverance and desire for personal development as a corps member, contributing to his lifelong devotion to Vanguard and passionate desire to lead VMAPA into the future with energy and excitement. Jeremy has been married to Vanguard alumna Sheri Van Wert for 19 years and is thrilled to have the honor of taking Vanguard to new heights.
About Michael Kovalich
Michael Kovalich consults, manages, advises and mentors on growth initiatives, competitive assessment, funding sources and financial performance enhancement. He formulates and initiates a process for strategic planning and managing in accordance with relevant business metrics. This is accomplished by communicating a clear vision and confirming a product-market fit.
Equally important, he motivates teams dedicated to producing successful outcomes. Together, they can start up, brand, market, grow and turn around organizations to achieve optimal business performance. All this within a culture that supports the individual needs to accomplish and contribute.
Aside from being active in the business world, Mike is dedicated to promoting both individual and corporate social consciousness to benefit those in need, locally and globally. He engages in programs and activities that encourage individuals and companies to invest time, energy and financial support for worthwhile nonprofit, charitable and civic organizations.
Being involved with the Vanguard has been an enjoyable experience for Jeremy and Mike. They admire the values and traditions that promote and exemplify exceptional, championship-level performances year after year, earning Vanguard its reputation as the most innovative drum corps in the world.
About Additional Leadership
Michael Gaines will remain as Director of Programs and Creative Director. Michael was instrumental in the organization’s successful navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain as our Programs and Creative Director. Andrew Nguyen, PHR, Human Resource Manager, Kale Duprey, Operations Manager, Stephen Duncan Holaday, Bingo Operations Manager and Jennifer Bauman will continue as President of the Board of Directors.