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With an extensive background in piano and percussion performance and deep experience in all facets of the arts industry, Rhett began his tenure as executive director of Seraphic Fire in August 2014. Since taking over, he has focused on solidifying the organization’s infrastructure, from board development and staff restructuring to community involvement – as well as a complete re-envisioning of Seraphic Fire’s education program, the Seraphic Fire Youth Initiative. In 2017, Rhett forged two major education partnerships for Seraphic Fire, launching the Ensemble Artist Program with UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, and the Professional Choral Institute at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Both programs are led by Seraphic Fire and provide aspiring ensemble singers with much-needed professional mentorship. His work has been supported by valuable insights and knowledge gained through participation in the DeVos Institute of Arts Management’s capacity building program and studies at Indiana University’s Fund Raising School. In his first three seasons, he has seen Seraphic Fire’s private giving increase by over 60 percent, and started a strategic reserve and endowment program.
A life-long musician, Rhett spent nearly 30 years performing as a pianist and percussionist around the world before crossing over to the administrative sector. He debuted as a piano soloist with the Chicago Symphony in 1991 and toured Italy as a soloist with the Chicago Youth Symphony in 1994. He went on to study percussion at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and DePaul University in Chicago. From there, he earned a fellowship with the New World Symphony, which gave him the opportunity to work with Michael Tilson Thomas and some of the top orchestral talents in the country over the course of four seasons.
Rhett is committed to being an active member of the Miami community. He serves as a taskforce leader for the Emerging Arts Leaders of Miami, and is a member of United Way’s Young Leaders where he volunteers his time as a member of the health council reviewing grants and conducting site visits. He also serves as an Arts & Culture grant panelist for the Florida Department of State, and for Miami-Dade County’s Department of Cultural Affairs. In an effort to give back to the New World Symphony, Rhett gives presentations to current fellows as part of their Sounding Boards series and Entrepreneurship Program.
At Seraphic Fire, Rhett’s focus is on long-term sustainability. Through financial planning, strategic arts partnerships, touring, and a strong commitment to its home community in South Florida, his goal is to help the organization achieve relevance in the international arts community as a model for sustained success.
