John Nuechterlein

John Nuechterlein recently retired as President and CEO of the American Composers Forum, a leading national service organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1975 as the Minnesota Composers Forum by a small group of students, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 45 years through innovative programs that support the artistic careers of composers and develop new opportunities for their work. John served as Managing Director of the Forum from 1998–2003, and became President in July 2003. He was instrumental in leading several strategic initiatives that grew membership, expanded educational programming and strengthened professional grant making. During his tenure, innova® Recordings also became one of the leading labels in the country for new music, helping hundreds of performers and composers reach new audiences.

Prior to joining the Forum, John worked for 15 years in the corporate sector. He held various senior management positions in leading consumer product companies, including Yardley of London USA, Maybelline and L’Oreal. Nuechterlein holds an MBA degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree in organ and voice performance from Valparaiso University.

John lives in Minneapolis with his husband Dan and sings in the Cathedral Choir at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral. He currently serves on the board of the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music based in California, and the Schubert Club of Saint Paul, MN. He is also the Treasurer of The Michael Steinberg and Jorja Fleezanis Fund, and the Vice President of the Wells Foundation of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral.