Our Board
Meet the dedicated individuals who guide our mission and help expand access to music and arts education across Washington DC and Maryland.
Brian Hessler
Executive Director
Brian Hessler is the Executive Director and founding board President of SoundLocal Foundation. A former recording engineer and active member of the D.C. music community, Brian built his early career working closely with artists across genres to produce, mix, and engineer studio recordings. In addition to supporting artists in the studio, he worked to strengthen the city's music scene by organizing concerts, collaborating with local venues, and supporting arts initiatives that brought live music into public spaces.
After shifting industries, Brian built deep expertise in operations, logistics, and technology through his work at a fashion tech startup, where he led E-commerce strategy, managed international supply chains, and scaled end-to-end operations. Over time, he rose to become CEO, guiding the company through sustained growth and ultimately leading it through a successful acquisition. At SoundLocal Foundation, Brian blends his creative roots and operational discipline to lead with clarity and purpose, ensuring every donor dollar translates into meaningful support for students and artists.
Rachel Levin
Treasurer
Rachel Levin is the Treasurer and a founding board member of SoundLocal Foundation. With a professional background in wealth management and operational leadership, Rachel oversees budgeting, compliance, and financial planning for the organization. She brings a deep understanding of long-term stewardship and risk management, shaped by her work in one of the region's leading advisory practices. A lifelong supporter of the arts and an avid concertgoer, Rachel helps ensure SoundLocal's financial decisions align with its mission and scale sustainably as the organization grows.
Adam Levin
Secretary
Adam Levin is the Secretary and a founding board member of SoundLocal Foundation. As a third-generation owner of Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, Adam has spent decades supporting the region's creative ecosystem. Beyond running one of the country's largest independent music stores, Adam has been a key partner in producing and sponsoring major cultural events throughout the Washington, D.C. area — including city festivals, student showcases, and community concerts.
He has worked closely with public and charter schools, local government arts programs, and youth organizations to expand access to instruments and performance opportunities. Adam's longstanding relationships with educators, artists, and civic leaders make him an invaluable force in SoundLocal's mission to connect communities through music.