Colts Begin Search For Next Executive Director

The Colts Youth Organization announces the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Jeff MacFarlane, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in the organization’s 63-year history. After serving more than two decades with the organization — the past 13 years as its chief executive — Jeff will step down following the 2026 summer tour which culminates in Indianapolis at the Drum Corps International World Championships on August 8, 2026.

The Colts Board of Directors begins the search for its next executive director with an online portal for gathering information from interested candidates. The next executive director of the Colts will be just the fourth in their long history and will assume the reins of an organization that’s growing both structurally and competitively. From its humble beginnings being run by a few dedicated dads in Dubuque, the organization now operates with six full-time employees with an annual budget of over $2.2 million. Over the past four years, the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps has been on an impressive run with unprecedented scores and consecutive Top 12 placements.

“Certainly, these are big shoes to fill,” said Board President Ken Driscoll. “But we believe the organization is well-positioned for this move. The next executive director will inherit an incredible team along with a diverse board of directors who provide added stability and guidance. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the organization’s mission of excellence in youth development through the performing arts.”

The Colts have been a continuous thread in Dubuque’s artistic and educational fabric since 1963, providing access for thousands of youth and enriching the community for all those who have experienced a performance. The purpose of the Colts organization is to provide motivated young people an opportunity to participate in intensive and accelerated performing arts ensembles, and in the process learn life skills that will allow them to grow as leaders of the future.

Jeff added, “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to build here over the past decade — especially with how we navigated the pandemic and actually built an even stronger organization since that time. Each year, we’re served by dozens of dedicated volunteers, and we’re blessed to have the support of a broad and generous donor base who are invested in our mission.”

Current plans are for the Colts Executive Search Committee to review candidates through the end of the year and begin the interview process in the spring. The board would like to name a successor in May and then have overlap throughout the summer before Jeff steps aside in September. Interested candidates can find additional information on our employment page.