Michael Pettry

Summer Speaker

With experience including chief executive, chief development officer, and active Board member, Michael Pettry brings the unique combination of innovation, growth-mindedness and philanthropic prowess to his work product.

Prior to Cape Fletcher Associates, Michael most recently served as Vice President of Development for The Great American Songbook Foundation (founded by Michael Feinstein) and The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. During his tenure, philanthropic activity more than doubled, donor retention increased 20% above the national average, and a planned giving campaign launched with an eye to the future. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, one of the largest choruses in the nation, for which he increased earned revenue by 491% and overall operating income by nine-fold.

Michael has produced performances at Carnegie Hall, international donor cultivation tours, public television broadcasts reaching 18 of the 20 largest media markets in the United States, and served as executive producer on multiple international recordings. His special events have been featured in Billboard, Variety and beyond featuring legends including Liza Minnelli, Christine Ebersole, Paul Williams, Dionne Warwick, George Hamilton, Jack Jones and more.

Recognized as a 2018 "40 Under 40" by the Indianapolis Business Journal, a 2017 "Best and Brightest" and named to the 2016 Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series, Michael also serves on the Board of Governors for Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art), The District Theatre Board of Directors, and on the Ball State University School of Music Dean's Advisory Council. He is guest lecturer (arts management and philanthropy) at Indiana University O’Neill School of Environmental and Public Affairs and at Butler University, and has served previously as adjunct faculty at Butler University. Michael has presented as a panelist at Chorus America, ACDA, the Indiana Humanities, and the Indiana Arts Commission among others.

A native of Indiana, Michael is a self-confessed aviation nerd, wine collector and pianist.