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Jeff Reed and Deborah Justice PHOTO/CMS
Community Music School names new executive director
Stacy Wescoe//July 31, 2026//
Community Music School – Lehigh Valley & Berks has a new executive director.
SMS has named Deborah Justice to the post to replace its longtime executive director, Jeff Reed.
Reed retired from the position on June 30. He remains with CMS on a temporary contract basis to work with Justice to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the 44-year-old Allentown nonprofit that provides access to music education.
Reed joined Community Music School in 2015, following the retirement of former CMS Director Carolyn Clarke.
CMS said in a release that Reed’s leadership allowed it to increase private lesson enrollment from approximately 150 students to over 300 today, expand group class offerings, including a state-of-the-art recording studio, and introduce innovative programming focused on students with learning differences.
Justice brings more than 20 years of experience in arts leadership, higher education, performance, and nonprofit management to CMS. Most recently, she served as director of KU Presents!, Kutztown University‘s presenting series.
“I’m excited to start as executive director here at Community Music School of Lehigh Valley & Berks,” said Justice. “Making music has continually been central to my life, and I know how important access to musical education is to creating both well-rounded individuals and strong communities.”
