Dean Orton Named President and CEO of The American Boychoir School and PCAE

Dean Orton has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of The American Boychoir School and the Princeton Center for Arts & Education by the boards of both institutions.

Orton will begin his new role on Jan. 1, 2012.
 
Orton was previously senior vice president media services and chief development officer for Connecticut Public Broadcasting.

He helped rebuild station facilities during the transition to digital broadcasting and expanded its educational mission. Orton led a team of 60 in content, network operations, development and community engagement. Additionally, he took a leadership role in building the new 20,000-square-foot Journalism and Media Academy for middle- and high-school students in Hartford, Conn. He is a graduate of Buena Vista University in Iowa.

“We welcome Dean Orton and his family to The American Boychoir School and look forward to a long and successful collaboration supporting the mission of ABS while advancing the Princeton Center for Arts & Education into a thriving community for students and audiences who value the arts and humanities,” said Dr. Chester Douglass, chairman of the board of trustees of The American Boychoir School. “The boards of both institutions are confident that Dean has the right combination of dynamic leadership, management skill and development experience to lead both ABS and PCAE."

Orton will work with Head of School Lisa Eckstrom and Litton-Lodal Music Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz to lead The American Boychoir School.

“This is an exciting time to be joining both of these organizations,” Orton said. “The American Boychoir, a national treasure, will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2012. PCAE, as a new organization, presents untold potential for the greater Princeton community. Together, both organizations, along with a dedicated group of trustees, staff, students and supporters, make this an opportunity for which I am honored to have been chosen.” 

Orton will lead the new Princeton Center for Arts & Education which promotes the growth and sustainability of independent schools and arts organizations. 

Robert L. D’Avanzo, chairman of the PCAE board, said Orton was selected after a nationwide search.

“From this national field, our search committee believes that Dean brings the perfect mix of experience to lead these two organizations. I know he’s eager to get started and we’re pleased to have him at the helm of PCAE and ABS.”

The American Boychoir School, PCAE's lead resident organization and its only boarding school, will move to the Plainsboro campus in August 2012. PCAE is currently home to The Wilberforce School and the French-American School of Princeton.

Dean Orton will live with his family on the PCAE campus. “My wife, Hilarie, and I along with our three young children are thrilled to making the greater Princeton area our new home,” he said. “And, of course, we also look forward to becoming active members within the community.”