Board of Directors
Sam Ritter, Member, Chair
Sam, a former violinist with the Connecticut Youth Symphony, graduated from Carleton College, in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelor's degree in history and religion before moving to Santa Fe, where he worked for the organization Citizen Schools at De Vargas Middle School. Since 2012, Sam has been a director of Breakthrough Santa Fe and a teacher at Santa Fe Prep. He also has a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in Boston, MA. Outside of the classroom, Sam likes to play music and enjoy the great outdoors.
Sam, a former violinist with the Connecticut Youth Symphony, graduated from Carleton College, in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelor's degree in history and religion before moving to Santa Fe, where he worked for the organization Citizen Schools at De Vargas Middle School. Since 2012, Sam has been a director of Breakthrough Santa Fe and a teacher at Santa Fe Prep. He also has a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in Boston, MA. Outside of the classroom, Sam likes to play music and enjoy the great outdoors.
Yolanda Colorado, Vice Chair
Yolanda is a Registered Nurse with an MBA working in the community and is the parent of two alumni of the SFYSA. She became a board member and an avid volunteer for the Mozart & Mariachi program (now the Elementary Strings Program) in 2003. She stepped off the board once her daughters graduated, but is gladly rejoining because of her enjoyment of music and the wonderful effect it has on young children. She thoroughly enjoyed the work she was involved in with SFYSA the first time around and would like to give back for all the valuable experiences her daughters enjoyed.
Richard M. Sanders, Treasurer
Mr. Sanders, has served since August, 2009 as a General Partner of Phase One Ventures, LLC, a Venture Capital firm which focuses on nanotechnology and biotechnology start-up opportunities in New Mexico and surrounding states. A native of Minneapolis, MN, Mr. Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and an MBA from Washington University is St. Louis, MO. He is a 2011 Honoree of Who’s Who in NM Technology, serves on the boards of 22nd Century Group, Inc., Minnesota Resources, Aqua Membranes Inc., and U.S. Retail Centers and is past chair of the SFNTC Foundation, vice-chair of Santa Fe Economic Development, Inc. and chair of Santa Fe Futures. Mr. Sanders is also an active private placement investor and a member of the New Mexico Angels.
Mr. Sanders, has served since August, 2009 as a General Partner of Phase One Ventures, LLC, a Venture Capital firm which focuses on nanotechnology and biotechnology start-up opportunities in New Mexico and surrounding states. A native of Minneapolis, MN, Mr. Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and an MBA from Washington University is St. Louis, MO. He is a 2011 Honoree of Who’s Who in NM Technology, serves on the boards of 22nd Century Group, Inc., Minnesota Resources, Aqua Membranes Inc., and U.S. Retail Centers and is past chair of the SFNTC Foundation, vice-chair of Santa Fe Economic Development, Inc. and chair of Santa Fe Futures. Mr. Sanders is also an active private placement investor and a member of the New Mexico Angels.
Susan Steffy, Secretary
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Alexandra Burke, Member
Alexandra has several years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She received her B.A in International Studies and went on to receive her M.A in International Relations and Human Rights, both at the University of Denver. Alexandra previously worked for the international organizations, World Wildlife Fund, as well as The School For Field studies. Alexandra is currently assistant manager of Walter Burke Catering, a long-time supporter of the SFYSA. Alexandra is also an alumni of the SFYSA orchestras program.
Alexandra has several years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She received her B.A in International Studies and went on to receive her M.A in International Relations and Human Rights, both at the University of Denver. Alexandra previously worked for the international organizations, World Wildlife Fund, as well as The School For Field studies. Alexandra is currently assistant manager of Walter Burke Catering, a long-time supporter of the SFYSA. Alexandra is also an alumni of the SFYSA orchestras program.
Mark Murdock, Member
Mark is a software developer working in the Information Technology division of Santa Fe County. Mark has two children: his daughter Cameron played cello for the Santa Fe Youth Symphony for several years, and recently graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin where she majored in music, while his son Ben is taking classes (wood working, pottery, and others) at the Santa Fe Community College. Mark is musically challenged, but holds musicians in high esteem, as he recognizes the hard work and determination it takes to learn the skills that are necessary to play music. Mark enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams and taking his dog on walks.
Mark is a software developer working in the Information Technology division of Santa Fe County. Mark has two children: his daughter Cameron played cello for the Santa Fe Youth Symphony for several years, and recently graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin where she majored in music, while his son Ben is taking classes (wood working, pottery, and others) at the Santa Fe Community College. Mark is musically challenged, but holds musicians in high esteem, as he recognizes the hard work and determination it takes to learn the skills that are necessary to play music. Mark enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams and taking his dog on walks.
