Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is pleased to release the first episode of Off the Wall Podcast Series 2: Board of Directors, featuring MVAA Board President Annette Buffer.
In this inaugural episode, Annette shares her journey as a lifelong musician, retired healthcare professional, and dedicated arts advocate whose leadership has helped shape MVAA into the vibrant community organization it is today. Her passion for making the arts accessible to everyone, supporting music education, and strengthening communities shines throughout the conversation.
For many throughout the Mon Valley and Washington County, Annette is known not only as a leader but as a champion for artists, students, volunteers, and audiences of all ages. Her commitment to ensuring that high-quality arts experiences remain affordable and accessible has touched countless lives, and her leadership continues to guide MVAA’s vision for the future.
Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insight into Annette’s personal story, her philosophy of servant leadership, and the role that music and the arts play in building stronger, more connected communities. It is a conversation about service, collaboration, and the lasting impact that one dedicated volunteer can have on an entire region.
Watch the episode here: 🎥 https://youtu.be/YZT_rT8ujek?si=a4ZK654LtExXlUw-
This episode is the first in a new series highlighting the members of MVAA’s Board of Directors. Each conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who volunteer their time, talents, and leadership to ensure the organization continues fulfilling its mission of providing affordable, high-quality arts education and cultural programming throughout the region.
About Annette Buffer, MVAA President
Annette Buffer is a prominent community leader, musician, and healthcare professional based in Pennsylvania, currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA). She is a passionate advocate for regional arts education and live musical performances.
- Healthcare & Education: She is a retired Nursing Home Administrator and Speech-Language Pathologist. She holds a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and an undergraduate degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania. She also works in Marketing and Business Development for AdvantageCare Rehabilitation Inc.
- Musical Leadership: A lifetime musician, she has directed choirs for over 40 years. She teaches fife students for the MVAA Regiment Fife and Drum Corps and directs the Bentworth Ministerium Community Choir.
- Community Initiatives: In 2014, she co-founded The Power of Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to staging free community summer concerts. She is also pioneering a youth show choir project named VoiceZ on Fire.
- Awards: In January 2026, she received the annual Community Service Award from the Brownsville Area Ministerial Association for her tireless cultural contributions to the region.
Thank You
This podcast series would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of many community partners and individuals. MVAA extends its sincere appreciation to:
- Fayette County Tourism
- Rivers of Steel
- Somerset Trust Company
- Borough of Brownsville
- Ashley Kyber
- Atalie Gagnet
- Hope Yeardie
- Angela Snaup
- Dakota Kunkel
- Joe Phillips
- Adele Garnet
Your encouragement, partnership, and commitment to the arts continue to make projects like this possible.
“Our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who believe in the power of music and the arts to strengthen communities. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to get to know the people behind our mission, and I invite everyone to watch this first episode and join us as we continue sharing these stories.” – Annette Buffer, President, Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South)
119 Brownsville Avenue
Brownsville, PA 15417
Phone: 724-565-1687
Email: info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org