Michael Sattler is the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA), the umbrella nonprofit organization for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and the Denver Women’s Chorus. He was also a member of CBCA’s 2020 Leadership Arts cohort, serving as the Class Champion and a leader on their scholarship fundraising committee.

After 30 years in the private sector as a chemical engineer, Michael is into his second career as a cultural nonprofit administrator. He’s led RMAA through some of its most exciting moments like singing at Carnegie Hall, and facilitated diverse partnerships ranging from Museo de las Americas to homeless shelters across the Front Range.  Michael has worked tirelessly to grow the organization, both in terms of reputation and resources. In spite of the incredible challenges faced by all performing arts organizations in 2020, Michael, his staff, and volunteers have continued to keep RMAA relevant and visible even without public in-person performances.

Michael enrolled in CBCA’s Leadership Arts program to better understand how to work with his board of directors and connect to the cultural community. As a member of the 2019-2020 cohort, Michael immediately stepped up as a Class Champion and cohort leader. He organized ice-breaker activities, a holiday cookie exchange, a canned food drive and networking opportunities for the class.

Michael was also a leader for the cohort’s fundraising efforts to support the Deborah Jordy Leadership Arts Scholarship Fund, which would support accessibility and financial assistance to next year’s cohort. In the face of COVID-19 impacts to his own arts organization, Michael continued to rally the cohort and raise the spirits of the group to stay engaged and active – even virtually.  Through these efforts, led by the fundraising committee, the cohort raised over $5,000, which was matched by the CBCA Board of Directors, resulting in a record-breaking $11,196 for the scholarship fund.

He has continued to stay involved with the program as a member of the Leadership Arts Alumni Network Committee. He also serves on CBCA’s IDEA Committee, stewarding the organization’s inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility initiatives.

Michael is a dedicated, compassionate and collaborative leader, exemplifying the spirit of CBCA’s Leadership Arts program and making a difference through the Rocky Mountain Arts Association and their choruses.