CINCINNATI, OH, May 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Richard A. Chizmadia has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Chizmadia's distinguished career in music education and organizational leadership spans five decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering musical excellence and inclusivity. As the president and executive director of the American Guild of Music, he oversees contest operations, coordinates with board members, manages participant logistics and develops contingency plans. He also handles key event details such as trophy orders, piano arrangements, student badges and t-shirt production. Mr. Chizmadia's expertise in professional meeting planning has been central to the smooth execution of large-scale events.

Since 1978, Mr. Chizmadia has also served as a professional member of the American Guild of Music, contributing to its growth and reputation as a leading institution for music educators and students. His tenure with the organization is highlighted by his co-creation of the Great Lakes Regional Contest, which began with 100 students and expanded to 2,000 participants entering 5,000 solo entries at its peak before the COVID pandemic. This competition has provided transformative opportunities for hundreds of thousands of young musicians, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music education, medicine, law and other fields.

In addition to his leadership within the Guild, Mr. Chizmadia has maintained a robust private teaching practice as an instructor of piano, accordion and voice. He began his teaching journey focusing on classical techniques but quickly adapted his methods to suit each student's interests, whether popular music or jazz, ensuring that lessons were engaging and enjoyable.

Initially offering instruction in students' homes, Mr. Chizmadia later established his own studio and pioneered group lessons and band experiences. In the late 1980s, he incorporated electronic keyboards into his curriculum, forming multiple bands at various skill levels and fostering camaraderie among students through collaborative music-making.

Mr. Chizmadia's international experience includes obtaining a permit to teach piano to American English-speaking students while living in Switzerland as a trailing spouse. During this period, he joined the American Women's Club after a thorough application process and became actively involved in the international community. Recognizing the need for greater inclusivity, he successfully advocated for changes to FAWCO's bylaws to allow men full membership, helping create an environment where men and women work together to advance women's causes globally.

Mr. Chizmadia's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is further reflected in his service on the DEIB Committee for FAWCO in 2022. As president of FAUSA – (FAWCO Alumnae USA) in 2019 to 2021 he played pivotal roles in supporting American women living abroad and their families. He also served as a Annual getaway chair for FAUSA – (FAWCO Alumnae USA) beginning in 2013.

From 1999 to 2003 in Detroit and 2016 to 2024 in Cincinnati, Mr. Chizmadia contributed as a member of the national board of governors for the Human Rights Campaign, advocating for equality and human rights initiatives nationwide. His earlier leadership roles include serving as executive director of the American Guild of Music in 2012 and owning the Keyboard Centre beginning in 1979, a venture that allowed him to further expand access to quality music education.

Known for his commitment to the field, Mr. Chizmadia's professional affiliations are extensive. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, past president of the FAUSA - the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas Alumni and vice president of Airstream Pride Streamers intra group.

Mr. Chizmadia's academic background includes a master's degree in communications and multimedia from Saginaw Valley State University, earned in 2005, and a bachelor's degree in music from Oakland University, completed in 1995. These academic achievements have underpinned his success as an educator and leader by equipping him with advanced communication skills and a deep understanding of musical pedagogy.

At age 10, Mr. Chizmadia began his journey by playing the accordion, a pursuit that led him to join the American Guild of Music as an inquisitive student eager to understand the fundamentals. The Guild recognized his potential early on; at 22, he became its youngest board member ever elected and soon after established the Great Lakes Regional Contest. As an accomplished accordionist and singer he continues performing with Squeeze Play accordion band in Cincinnati at events such as Oktoberfest and retirement homes while maintaining an active teaching schedule.

Throughout his career, Mr. Chizmadia has received numerous accolades. These include being named a Cincinnati Pride Month Honoree by the City of Cincinnati in 2023, receiving the Distinguished Gala Leader Award from the Human Rights Campaign in 2018 and earning the Federal Club Individual Leadership Award from the Human Rights Campaign in 2021.

Mr. Chizmadia was also honored with the Rising Excellence Award from the Human Rights Campaign in 2019 and received the Caroline Curtis Brown Spirit Award from the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas in 2022. In addition, he has been honored by the American Guild of Music several times with awards of meritorious service in 1987, 1997, 2007, and with a lifetime achievement award in 2017.

Civically engaged, Mr. Chizmadia has served on boards such as that of the Human Rights Campaign, where he contributed strategic guidance toward advancing equality initiatives, the Cincinnati Men's Chorus. In his free time, he enjoys Airstreaming, gardening, volunteering and helping others advance personally or professionally.

Looking ahead, Mr. Chizmadia intends to pass on his knowledge and expertise to emerging leaders within both the American Guild of Music and the Great Lakes Regional Competition. He also plans to remain involved with all three professional organizations he values most, ensuring continuity for future generations inspired by his legacy.

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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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