VISTA Today briefs are concise reports on breaking stories around Chester County. This Morning:

Greater Brandywine YMCA Hires New Chief Development Officer

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine, the nonprofit charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of the community, has appointed Mary Burns as its new Chief Development Officer. Burns is taking over from Joe Tankle, who is moving on to become the Director of Planned Giving.

Burns brings her extensive YMCA experience to the post as she was the President and CEO of the Greater Burlington YMCA for eight years and established a reputation for successful fundraising. Her Y career started thirty years ago, and from the beginning her skills were recognized and led her to hold a host of other senior level positions.

“With Mary joining our Y family, sharing her leadership, vision and direction, we will be able to leverage our resources for an even greater impact on Chester County and continue to advance the Y’s mission,” said Denise Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

Avon Grove High School’s Marching Band Wins the State Championship

Avon Grove High School’s Marching Band has taken first place at the U.S. Bands Pennsylvania State Championship and become U.S. Bands Pennsylvania State Champion for the first time.

Avon Grove scored an impressive 92.375 in the Group IV-A class, which was held at West Chester University’s Farrell Stadium last year, with wins for Best Color Guard, Best Overall Effect, Best Percussion, Best Ensemble Music, and Best Visual.

The winning show for 2015, titled “Heart Beat,” featured a huge vinyl heart which covered part of the field, and the performance used samples of phrases that are heart-themed and read by members of the marching band in an attempt to explore the different rates of heart beat that correspond with different emotions. The music for the winning performance was composed by Key Poulan.

WCU’s Online MBA Program Ranked One of the Best in the Country

U.S. News has published its ranking of the best online master’s degree programs in business administration with West Chester University making it into the Top 100 at 55th place.

The ranking is based on various criteria, including admissions selectivity, reputation for excellence among peer institutions as well as academic and career support services offered to students.

The West Chester University Online MBA, which shares its 55th spot with the University of West Georgia and Hofstra University, is praised for being one of the most affordable AACSB accredited programs by universities in the U.S, to both in-state residents and out-of-state students.

The program offers a rolling application deadline, with 44% of students already employed on enrollment. All online MBA programs at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation.