A massive transition in leadership for Drum Corps International was announced Thursday evening.

According to DCI's full press release, Chief Executive Officer Nate Boudreaux has departed the organization just weeks before the start of the 2026 DCI season. Current DCI Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Clevenger has been appointed interim CEO in Boudreaux's absence. 

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Only the fourth CEO in DCI's history, Boudreaux was hired in September of 2023 and enacted meaningful progress with regard to sponsorship and donor support across DCI.

Here's what DCI had to say about Boudreaux's departure and Clevenger's appointment: 

“The Board of Directors and DCI’s member corps thank Nate for his leadership, dedication, and service to the organization and its mission,” said DCI Board Chair Jonathan Powell. “We wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors.

"Jennifer and the dedicated staff at Drum Corps International have a comprehensive grasp of DCI’s operational and strategic priorities,” Powell said. “Their deep commitment to our mission — bringing the life-enriching benefits of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide — puts us in an incredibly strong position to deliver a safe, successful, and world-class summer season for our corps, performers, and fans.”

While the DCI Board of Directors searches for a permanent CEO replacement, former CEO Dan Acheson, who led the organization from 1995 - 2023, will "maintain his ongoing advisory relationship with the Board and executive team."