CAPE Announces New Leadership, Elevating Dan Brunk to Board President
Rosemont, IL – October 7, 2025 – The Cavaliers Performing Arts, Education, and Entertainment (CAPE) organization today announced a change in its Board of Directors leadership, naming Dan Brunk as its new Board President.
Dan Brunk
Brunk steps into the role after having served on the Cavalier Alumni Association (CAA) Board of Directors since 2022 and as its President from 2023 to 2025. He succeeds Dale Young, and will lead the CAPE board in advancing the organization’s overall mission.
“I am honored and excited to take on this new role and serve an organization that has meant so much to me since I marched in the early '90s,” said Brunk. “CAPE has a rich tradition of excellence across its programs, and I look forward to working with the dedicated board, staff, and our incredible alumni network to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for our corps members and all participants.”
A Cavalier with Extensive Professional Experience
Dan Brunk marched euphonium with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps for two years, including the 1992 Drum Corps International World Champion Corps. A veteran of the corps, he has remained actively engaged, notably as an organizing member of the 2022 and 2024 Cavalier Alumni Mardi Gras Parade events.
Professionally, Brunk brings over fifteen years of legal and compliance expertise gained in both the United States and the United Kingdom. After practicing civil litigation, he held legal and compliance management positions for large multinational financial services institutions in London. Upon his return to the U.S. in 2020, he resumed legal practice in Boston, focusing on worker’s compensation and general business law. Prior to his legal career, he was a band director in Indiana, leading award-winning marching and concert bands. Brunk holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law. Read Full Bio Here
Continuity in Executive Roles and Expanded Committee Focus
While the presidency transitions, the CAPE board maintains stability with the three remaining executive officers: Barbara Bolender continues as Vice President, Jeff Gill as Treasurer, and Thor Schumacher as Secretary.
In addition to the core officer positions, the CAPE board has designated three additional Executive Committee (EC) members to better engage the board in strategic initiatives:
Marty Schlenker, Board Member, has been elevated to Development Lead.
Matt O’Brien, Board Member, has been elevated to Fundraising Lead.
Dr. Alan Micco, Board Member, has been elevated to Marketing Lead.
“These executive committee additions reflect our commitment to enhancing the board’s focus on the crucial areas of development, fundraising, and marketing,” added Brunk. “I am eager to work alongside Barb, Jeff, Thor, and all our committed board members to drive the organization forward.”
Learn more about the full CAPE Board of Directors HERE.
The Cavaliers Performing Arts, Education, and Entertainment (CAPE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional performance, education, and entertainment experiences through its programs, including The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (a seven-time Drum Corps International World Champion) and the King Cobras Drumline.