Ukulele Kids Club Welcomes Steve Conrad as Director of Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, AZ / New York, NY — June 2026
Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), the nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the healing power of music to children through the gift of ukuleles, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Conrad as its new Director of Development.
Steve brings more than 25 years of nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and strategic development experience to UKC. Throughout his distinguished career, he has helped secure millions of dollars in support for organizations serving children, families, veterans, and vulnerable populations across the country.
In addition to his role at UKC, he is currently the Vice President of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, where he leads fundraising efforts supporting mentorship programs for youth throughout the state. His extensive nonprofit leadership experience also includes serving as Director of Development and Government Affairs for the Lodestar Day Resource Center and the Human Services Campus in Phoenix, organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans, adults, and children. In recognition of his work helping end veteran homelessness, Steve was honored by President Barack Obama in 2012.
Steve’s development expertise spans major gifts, grants, government relations, special events, and strategic fundraising. He has previously led grant-writing efforts for organizations including Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona and the Valley of the Sun YMCA, where he also taught grant writing and development strategies at national YMCA conferences.
Before entering nonprofit development, Steve spent eight years as a reporter for National Public NOTE: Radio, bringing a unique storytelling perspective to his fundraising work.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Steve is a lifelong musician and arts advocate. For more than 30 years, he has taught partner dancing around the world, leading workshops and performances throughout the United States, Europe, and China. He has appeared on ABC’s The Bachelorette, HGTV’s House Hunters, Arizona Highways TV, and NBC’s Little Big Shots: Forever Young. A passionate ukulele player and instructor, Steve performs with his band, the Ukebillies, and regularly uses both music and dance as healing modalities to support children and adults affected by trauma.
In 2021, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego proclaimed April 29 as “Steve Conrad Day” in recognition of his contributions to dance, music, and the arts community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the Ukulele Kids Club,” said Marlén RodrÃguez Wolfe, Board Chair of Ukulele Kids Club. “Steve’s remarkable fundraising expertise, combined with his lifelong passion for the uke, music, and service, make him an extraordinary addition to our organization. His leadership will help us expand our reach and bring the joy and therapeutic benefits of music to even more children around the world.”
Steve shared his enthusiasm for joining the organization:
“I am excited to join the Ukulele Kids Club and help provide access to ukuleles and music-making opportunities for children around the world. I have experienced firsthand how joyful and transformative this instrument can be, and I would love to help spread that joy—especially to those who need it most.”
As Director of Development, Steve will lead UKC’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement initiatives, grant development, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic growth efforts as the organization continues its mission of placing the healing power of music into the hands of hospitalized children and children facing serious health challenges worldwide.
About Ukulele Kids Club
Founded in 2013, Ukulele Kids Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the healing power of music to children through the gift of ukuleles. Through partnerships with hospitals, music therapists, and healthcare organizations around the world, UKC has gifted over 17,000 ukuleles to children facing illness, injury, and medical hardship, helping bring comfort, connection, and joy through music.
For more information, visit UKC’s website at theukc.org or follow Ukulele Kids Club on social media.
Media Contact:
Media Team – Ukulele Kids Club
info@theukc.org