In Wednesday’s (10/27) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jim Higgins reports, “Maryellen Gleason, experienced both in symphony management and for-profit business, will become the next president and executive director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in January. In a statement announcing her hiring, MSO board chairman Chris Abele cited her ‘diverse experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors.’ The MSO president is the orchestra’s business leader, raising money, selling tickets and paying bills so music director Edo de Waart and the musicians can make music. Gleason has been president and chief executive of the Phoenix Symphony since 2002, where she did all the things she’ll be asked to do in Milwaukee, including increasing the endowment and settling labor contracts. … After graduating from Harvard, Gleason worked in marketing for GTE, then, as tournament director in 1988-’90, launched the GTE North Classic Senior PGA Golf Tournament in Indianapolis. Then she worked for Qwest Communications for 11 years in product and account management positions, while also earning her MBA through Northwestern University. … Gleason will begin her daily MSO work Jan. 4, though she will be here for the symphony’s annual meeting Dec. 1. Interim executive director Don Tyler will stay at the helm until January and will assist Gleason with her transition here.”
Posted October 28, 2010
