Leslie Jackson Chihuly, board chair of the Seattle Symphony, has made a $2.5 million gift to the orchestra to create the Leslie Jackson Chihuly Chair, endowing the executive leadership position in perpetuity. In announcing the gift, the Seattle Symphony said that Simon Woods, who has served as the orchestra’s executive director since 2011, will assume the new title of President and CEO. “Leslie’s vision and passion for the Seattle Symphony was a decisive factor in my decision to come here four years ago,” said Woods. The Seattle Symphony’s endowment is currently valued at $25 million. “The Seattle Symphony has by far the smallest endowment of its peer group,” said Woods. “Leslie’s gift forms part of our ongoing efforts to at least triple the size of the endowment over the coming years, through the endowing of key positions in the orchestra and our extensive programs serving young people and the community.”
Posted March 9, 2015
