Arcady Music Society has announced the appointment of Patricia Ciraulo as its new executive director as of Jan. 1. She will take over the position from longtime Arcady director, Melba Wilson.

Ciraulo, a Bar Harbor resident, has spent the last eight years working with arts organizations in Russia, most recently with the Russian National Orchestra in Moscow. Her experience in developing and administering programs, attracting new audiences and fund raising was a key factor for the search committee in making its selection. In its 21st year, Arcady is in the process of expanding and improving its programs.

Arcady board chairwoman Susan Potters says Ciraulo has the key skills Arcady needs now.

“In addition,” Potters said, “Patti has a wonderful energy and enthusiasm. She loves her work, and it shows.”

Ciraulo’s work with Maine nonprofits began when she moved to Mount Desert Island to attend College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. She worked with Mount Desert Island High School and the Maine Community Foundation, before graduating from COA in 1994. That year, Ciraulo was awarded a Thomas Watson Foundation fellowship enabling her to work in Russia, where her experience in nonprofit management made her much in demand. In addition to four years with the Russian National Orchestra, Ciraulo worked with the Russian State Museum and the Andrei Sakharov Museum and Center, and also served as consultant to numerous visual arts and music organizations.

In a letter to Ciraulo, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation commended her for her “attentive and beneficial association to Russian musical culture” and “active and productive work to further the success of the Russian National Orchestra.”

Ciraulo is delighted with the opportunity to promote the arts in Maine.

“I’m pleased that over the past few years I have been able to perform work that I believe was truly significant and helpful to the arts culture of Russia, and the world,” she said. “It is thrilling that I can carry on this type of activity here in Maine.”

Although she plans to stay actively involved with the organization, Wilson decided this past year that it was time to transfer over the many demanding responsibilities involved in Arcady’s Summer Festival, Winter Concert Series, Annual Youth Competition, school and other programs.

“I think it’s great that Patti can speak Russian and will be able to provide Arcady’s many visiting Russian musicians with a truly welcome feeling,” said Wilson, who has known Ciraulo since 1990. “I think she will be successful in addressing a lot of Arcady’s needs, particularly in financial and organizational areas. Plus, she already has a home here and is familiar with the communities that Arcady serves.”

Although the appointment takes effect Jan. 1, Ciraulo has teamed up with Wilson to assist with organization of upcoming concerts. In addition to the Dec. 2-5 concerts of the Cantus Men’s Choir in Bar Harbor, Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft and Belfast; a number of pre- or post-concert events are planned to introduce Ciraulo to Arcady committees, volunteers and concertgoers. For more information, call 288-2141