Paying It Forward

There are many elements of the Salzburg Global experience that bind the Fellowship together, but few are as immediate as arriving at Schloss Leopoldskron. Passing through the wrought-iron gates and catching that first view of the lake is a moment many Fellows remember. Today, that view unfolds at the point now known as the Boston Family Sound of Music Terrace — a revitalization made possible through the generous support of former Board Director Byron and his wife Andi Boston.

“I hope it gives [Fellows and guests] an impression,” Byron explains, “in addition to the activities that they engage with, the discussions and conversations that take place. I hope that space will add to their positive memory [and] that enhancing that space will add to the resilience of Salzburg Global over the long term.”

When Byron attended his first program at Salzburg Global in June 2013, it marked the beginning of a lasting partnership rooted in intellectual curiosity — both with the Boston family and, through his role as Co-Founder, with Dynex Capital.

Reflecting on that experience, Byron notes, “I was not a global citizen before 2013. I thought mainly as an American […] Being at Salzburg Global allowed me to meet people from around the globe and start to look at the world from others’ perspectives, not just from my perspective as an American.”

“One of the best things that I realized was that there are good people all over the world, and there’s a need for the good people of the world to lock arms together.”

“Everybody grows up in a bubble,” Andi adds. “The value of Salzburg Global is that when you arrive, that bubble starts to expand.”

Byron and Andi were introduced to Salzburg Global by Paul Haaga (Board Director from 1999 to 2007), Heather Haaga (Chairman Emerita), Walter Massey (Board Chairman from 2007 to 2010), and Shirley Massey (Board Director from 1999 to 2007). After becoming a Fellow, Byron joined the Board of Directors, helping steer Salzburg Global’s direction and shape its future for more than a decade. During his time on the board, he served as Board Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee.

Byron and Andi were also among the earliest supporters of the Meierhof Campaign, and contributed generously to its success by establishing the Boston Family Sound of Music Terrace adjacent to the new Mundheim Family Garden.

Yet philanthropy was a relatively new concept to Byron and Andi before they became involved with the organization.

“The whole idea of donating a huge chunk of money is completely foreign to us,” Byron explains. “Salzburg Global had such a positive impact on us that we felt strongly that we should help ensure it continues to have that impact on others well into the future.”

Now, as some of Salzburg Global’s strongest advocates and supporters, the Boston family’s legacy is inextricably written into the organization’s story.

In explaining what they hope their philanthropy inspires, Andi says “every little bit helps. Even though you may not come from a wealthy family, there's something you can do. If we can do it, another Fellow potentially could too.”

“The world needs Salzburg Global,” Byron affirms. “It needs a place where people from around the world can come together and have frank conversations about how to make the world a better place.”