Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New Board Leadership as it Prepares to Shape a Five-Year Strategic Plan
FOUR RESPECTED COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS THE ASO LAUNCHES A STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS THAT WILL HELP DEFINE THE NONPROFIT’S ARTISTIC VISION, COMMUNITY IMPACT, AND ORGANIZATIONAL FUTURE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announces four new board members to its Board of Trustees, as well as a new musician representative to the Board from the Player’s Committee. The new board members join the Orchestra at the start of its new fiscal year, the organization’s 65th season performing at Maryland Hall. The new board members join the Orchestra at a pivotal moment as it prepares to shape a strong vision for the next five years through a thoughtfully written strategic plan.
As Anne Arundel County’s oldest and largest performing arts organization, the ASO is a cultural cornerstone of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. The Orchestra enriches lives through exceptional live music, music education, and service to the community. The nonprofit’s strategic plan is important not only as a road map for organizational growth, but also because it establishes priorities for artistic excellence, education, audience development, and financial sustainability that will strengthen the Orchestra’s work in the community.
The strategic planning process will intentionally build upon the Orchestra’s six decades of artistic achievement while identifying new opportunities to expand audiences, strengthen arts education, deepen community partnerships, embrace innovation, and ensure the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra remains an indispensable cultural resource for future generations.
The impact of the plan will be felt across not only the performances and concerts performed by the Orchestra, but also in the communities it serves.
“The ASO board is constantly striving to bring a variety of experiences to our collective stewardship of the organization,” said Board Chair Katie Edwards, MD. “Nonprofit board service is a gift of time and talent to any organization, and I look forward to working with our stellar group of trustees in the coming year.”
Serving on the Board of Trustees is one of the highest forms of volunteer leadership within the organization. Trustees provide strategic governance, financial oversight, philanthropic leadership, and community advocacy while working with the Orchestra’s professional staff to ensure the ASO continues to fulfill its mission for generations to come. A full list of the ASO’s Board of Trustees may be found at annapolissymphony.org/about-us/board-of-trustees/.
NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP
Joining the Board of Trustees are Andy Bienstock, Karen Bell-Wright, Lisa Hillman, and Siena Scott. The musician representative to the Player’s Committee, a non-voting role on the Board of Trustees, will be Derek Smith.
Collectively, these professionals bring diverse leadership experiences, thoughtful perspectives, and a shared commitment to strengthening the Orchestra’s connection to the community while helping guide its long-term success.
Andy Bienstock served as Vice President and Program Director at WYPR, the flagship National Public Radio (NPR) member station serving the Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan area, Western Maryland, and the Eastern Shore.
Karen Bell-Wright is a senior leader in customer experience at Kinetic Consulting Services, a boutique management consulting firm focused on accelerating business growth. Karen was formerly Senior Vice President of Retail and Contact Centres, Reservations and Staff Travel for Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Karen brings to the ASO a wealth of information around capacity-building, audience experience, and strategic planning.
Lisa Hillman is a prolific writer for What’s Up Magazine and other publications. She is the former president of Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation. An experienced development professional, Lisa also is a board member of Samaritan House and an active supporter of Historic Annapolis and other non-profits.
Siena Scott retired from Nationwide Insurance as Associate Director of Casualty Claims for Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. She is a former legislative assistant for the Maryland General Assembly for the Honorable Sue Kullen and Keiffer Mitchell and was aide and Secretary to the Anne Arundel House Delegation. She currently serves as Treasurer for Delegate Dylan Behler of the Maryland House of Delegates and is a member of the city’s Salary Review Commission.
MUSICIAN REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
Derek Smith will be the musician representative from the Player’s Committee, a non-voting role on the Board of Trustees. Derek is the Associate Principal Violist and Chair of the Musicians’ Players’ Committee for the ASO. He holds Master’s degrees in Violin and Viola Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and performs regularly with the Richmond Symphony, National Philharmonic, and the Washington National Opera Orchestra. He is a faculty member of Annapolis Symphony Academy.
“A thriving nonprofit is built on a strong partnership between its board and staff, and we are honored that these accomplished community leaders have joined us. “Their expertise, perspectives, and passion for our mission will help guide the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra as we continue to share our artistic excellence, expand our civic engagement, and provide accessible music education to Anne Arundel youth.”
Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach
“The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s artistic success depends on many people working in harmony, both on and off the stage. A dedicated and engaged board provides the foundation that allows our musicians to perform at the highest artistic level, pursue ambitious programming, and continue sharing extraordinary musical experiences with our community. I am delighted to welcome these new members to the ASO family.”
José-Luis Novo, Artistic Director and Conductor. “
OUTGOING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND MUSICIAN REPRESENTATIVE
The Orchestra also recognizes the distinguished service of outgoing trustees Georgianna Crosby, Ginger From, Sonja Gladwin, Michelle Hellstern, Mary McKiel, and Elizabeth Maxwell Schmidt, whose leadership helped guide the organization through a period of remarkable artistic and organizational growth. In recognition of their nine years of dedicated service, Ms. Crosby and Ms. From have been named Trustees Emeritus. The ASO extends its sincere gratitude to all four outgoing trustees for their volunteer leadership, generosity, and steadfast commitment to the Orchestra’s mission.
We are grateful for the service of Alexandra (Sasha) Mikhlin, who served as the Musician Representative from the Player’s Committee prior to Derek Smith’s appointment.
ABOUT THE ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a cultural cornerstone of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, enriching lives through exceptional live music, music education, and service to the community. Entering its 65th season, the ASO is the oldest and largest performing arts organization in the region and is led by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo. The Orchestra employs 75 professional, union-represented musicians, and performs classical, pops, family, educational, and free community concerts.
As both an artistic leader and civic partner, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra brings people together through the shared experience of live music, strengthening the cultural fabric of our community and inspiring future generations.
Annapolis Symphony Academy
The ASO extends its impact through the Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA), which provides high-quality music education and performance opportunities to more than 175 students from preschool through high school. ASA students learn directly from ASO musicians through private instruction, ensembles, and recitals that foster personal artistic growth and confidence, along with a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Media Contact:
Diana Love, Director of Marketing and Communications, DLove@annapolissymphony.org
###
