Meet Our New Director of Cultural Affairs

The Village of Barrington is pleased to announce it has hired Dr. Brian Coyle as its new Director of Cultural Affairs. Coyle, an accomplished conductor, educator, and arts leader, brings decades of experience to this role, which includes serving as Director of Barrington’s White House, the Village’s cultural and community center, and working with the Barrington Cultural Commission. He will be succeeding Dr. Rollin Potter, who has served as the founding Cultural Director for the past ten years, shaping Barrington’s White House into the cultural hub it is today and furthering the programming of the Barrington Cultural Commission.

Brian Coyle received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Michigan State University and served as a professor and chairperson at Hope College for 26 years. Coyle’s distinguished career includes notable achievements, such as serving as the Executive Director of the Civic Music Association of Des Moines and a co-founder of the International Association of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC). His dedication to fostering artistic growth and community engagement aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of Barrington’s White House.

“Brian’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for us,” said Village of Barrington President Karen Darch. “His deep understanding of the arts and his commitment to cultural development make him an ideal leader to continue the legacy of excellence established by Rollin Potter.”

Since opening in 2015, Barrington’s White House has thrived under Dr. Rollin Potter’s leadership, building a vibrant cultural program and welcoming thousands of visitors to diverse events, including musical performances, lectures, and art exhibitions. Potter has nurtured partnerships with art associations, Chicago area universities, and other expert organizations to strengthen the cultural programming offered. His dedication helped transform Barrington’s White House into the premier cultural destination in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

As Coyle takes on his new role, he is enthusiastic about building upon Potter’s legacy. “It is an honor to join such a dynamic and thriving community,” said Coyle. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Barrington’s White House, the Barrington Cultural Commission, and with local community members to continue creating meaningful cultural experiences for the Barrington area.”

Brian Coyle, Director of Cultural Affairs, can be reached at bcoyle@barrington-il.gov.

For more information about the cultural programming at Barrington’s White House, please visit www.barringtonswhitehouse.com.

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