Songbirds Foundation Welcomes John Dooley as New Executive Director
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — The Songbirds Foundation is proud to announce John Dooley as its new Executive Director. Dooley, who has been working with the foundation for the past eight years, steps into this role with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the foundation’s mission.
In November 2024, Reed Caldwell, our previous Executive Director, stepped down after years of service and leadership. We extend our utmost gratitude to Reed for his significant contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Under John Dooley’s leadership, Songbirds Foundation is setting mission-aligned goals to propel our organization forward with transparency and purpose. With a renewed focus on revitalizing our venue in its prime Main Street location, we aim to help nurture the thriving music hub within Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood.
Equally important is our commitment to music education. Songbirds Foundation will continue to prioritize and expand its educational programs, which serve youth from elementary school through college. By nurturing the next generation of musicians and music enthusiasts, we strive to make a lasting impact on our community and our music economy.
Our vision for the new year is as follows: We envision a world where music education inspires leadership, creativity, and confidence. As leaders in the music education space, we nurture talent through transformative programming, foster connections with exceptional educators, and empower students to become the tastemakers and trailblazers of tomorrow’s music industry. Our venue will be celebrated as the region’s premier listening room and event space, inviting communities to celebrate the magic of music in an inclusive and vibrant setting.
“I am deeply honored to take on this new role and continue the incredible work of the Songbirds Foundation,” said Dooley. “Together, we will build on our strong foundation, ensuring that music remains a vibrant and unifying force in Chattanooga and beyond.”
As we embrace this new chapter, we invite the community to join us in supporting our mission and celebrating the transformative power of music. Stay tuned for updates on exciting initiatives and events planned for 2025.
