The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has named JAMES M. JOHNSON as its next chief executive officer, effective April 30, 2018. For the past seven years, Johnson has served as president and CEO of the Omaha Symphony, where his accomplishments included negotiating a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the musicians’ union, improving the orchestra’s finances, and attaining budget surpluses and significant growth in the endowment. During his time in Omaha, the orchestra launched a film series, increased attendance for its classical series, and forged community partnerships to create connections with a more diverse patron base. Prior to Omaha, Johnson served for ten years as chief executive officer of the New York Pops, and he was previously director of operations for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City and general manager of the Martha Graham Dance Company. The Omaha Symphony board of directors is forming a search committee to seek Johnson’s successor, and an interim CEO will be named to lead the organization after Johnson steps down in late April.
Posted February 21, 2018
