Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Names New Executive Director

    KALAMAZOO, MI, November 02, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra prepares to enter its 100th anniversary season with a new executive director. Following an extensive national search, the board of directors selected Jessica Mallow as executive director, effective December 3, 2019. Mallow, who currently serves as director of business partnerships at Jacksonville Symphony, Florida, brings valuable experience and expertise in management, development, and community involvement from her previous nonprofit administration in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Iowa.

"I am truly honored to join the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra as its next executive director," said Mallow. "I am excited to return to the Midwest and to become immersed in Kalamazoo's rich artistic community, and I look forward to working closely with the incredible KSO musicians, management team, and board to learn about the organization and region, listen to ideas, and work to further strengthen an organization with such high artistic quality and history. My fiancé and I are eager to make Kalamazoo our home and look forward to being involved in the community."

"Jessica brings a strong background in orchestra management and building partnerships to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra," said Pamela Enslen, KSO board chair. "We are pleased to welcome her to Kalamazoo and excited to introduce her to our community. We are confident she will build strong collaborative relationships with the board, staff, musicians, and community as we head into the KSO's centennial year and beyond. This is an exciting time for the Kalamazoo Symphony, and we are confident Jessica will bring innovation and energy to the KSO moving forward."

"Musicians are looking forward to collaborating with our new executive director," said Noah Krzan, KSO bassist and chair, Musicians' Committee. "Pairing new executive leadership with our relatively new Maestro Kuerti and his dynamic artistic vision should translate to a wonderful remainder of season 99 and an even more exciting 100th season."

Mallow and KSO Music Director Julian Kuerti, along with the board, staff, and musicians, will continue delivering the organization's multi-year strategic plan as it plans for its centennial year. Her appointment follows an extensive national search of top talent by the board of directors and the Catherine French Group.

Prior to joining the Jacksonville Symphony, Mallow held positions with Washington Performing Arts, American University, Orchestra Iowa, Rockwell Collins, and Simpson College. Formerly a professional opera singer, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Simpson College, and earned a Master of Arts Management degree Summa Cum Laude from American University.

The KSO receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and the Stryker Johnston Foundation. The KSO also is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The KSO also receives generous support from other local, state and national foundations, as well as private and corporate support.

About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1921, the KSO (kalamazoosymphony.com) is Southwest Michigan's premiere musical organization and the state's third largest orchestra. The KSO and its more than 80 professional musicians provide more than 40 concerts and over 100 ensemble and small-group performances across the region. With an equally vibrant educational mission, the KSO offers school-based programs that music teachers rely on to support their curriculum and after-school programs that have been recognized by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. The KSO has won numerous awards and grants, including a major Ford Foundation grant to establish its innovative Artists in Residence program.

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