The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) The NCTA is the nation’s oldest multicultural arts presenting organization. For over eight decades, through festivals, tours, symposia, exhibits, and media productions, the NCTA has showcased the very best of the myriad grassroots folk, tribal and ethnic cultures that comprise our diverse nation.
NCTA reflections on Rick as published on February 22, 2022
Longtime National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) board member Rick Massumi passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022. He had been diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2021.
Rick was one of the organization’s longest-serving board members, and an all around special person. In addition to his work with the NCTA, Rick was an unwavering supporter of countless musicians as well as the nightlife in his beloved Washington, D.C. The Washington Post published this touching column one day after Rick’s death, illustrating his unique and profound impact on the local arts scene and artists.
Rick was a distinguished attorney, who obtained his J.D. degree at Georgetown University. After some years in private practice, he joined the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1984 as an attorney-adviser to two divisions: the General Counsel’s Office and the Division of Enforcement. Rick represented the agency in rules challenges and appellate litigation, prosecuted administrative disciplinary proceedings against accountants, conducted civil enforcement litigation against broker-dealers and corporate executives, and regularly participated in agency investigations. Rick retired from active practice a few years ago after serving as a special counsel for the prestigious D.C.-based firm Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, LLP.
For the past three decades, possibly longer, Rick has provided invaluable pro bono counsel to the NCTA. Three executive directors of the organization—Joe Wilson, Julia Olin, and Lora Bottinelli—have heavily relied upon his expertise and wisdom. As Bottinelli notes, “Rick has stepped up during some of NCTA’s hardest moments in navigating an expansive scope of national work. He always recommended thoughtful, measured, and legally sound responses, balancing the needs of NCTA with the real-world impacts on the lives of those with whom we worked. Fairness and equity were at the top of Rick’s concerns. Rick was so passionate about the art itself, regularly attending our festivals, meeting and socializing with the artists, and just being an appreciative and receptive member of the audience. His presence at these events was always a welcome addition and an indicator of his level of support, connection, and interest in the traditional artists and their work.”
Former chair of the NCTA board, John Holum, writes of Rick: “From the perspective of a fellow practicing attorney, I can attest that he is a superb one, and for NCTA’s legal work we couldn’t have found anyone better. As much as we value Rick for his indispensable legal advice, we cherish him for his passionate embrace of NCTA’s mission and most especially his love for the music and the artists who make it. I encountered him repeatedly at festivals, but never standing on the margins, chatting. Rather, he was either rushing to the next event on his list or, when artists were on the stage, completely absorbed in the performance. He appreciated everything … and invariably he was literally vibrating with enthusiasm.”
The National Council for the Traditional Arts has been immeasurably blessed and strengthened by the presence and participation of Rick Massumi. John Holum says it most succinctly: “As an attorney, he’s one of NCTA’s greatest advocates. And as a lover of the arts, he’s in its soul.”
View a slideshow from the celebration of Rick’s life here: Rick Massumi_Pictures
In lieu of flowers contributions for Rick’s legacy can be made here:
Gifts to this fund are charitable gifts to NCTA. In consultation with Rick’s trustees, the direction of these gifts will be determined later this year. We will share those plans with donors to this Fund when it is determined.
