“Kevin Smith, former president of the Minnesota Opera, will serve as interim president and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra after Michael Henson leaves and until a permanent successor is found, the Orchestra announced late Thursday,” writes Pamela Espeland in Thursday’s (5/22) MinnPost (Minneapolis). “We’ve known since March 20 that Henson would step down and that his last day would be Aug. 31.… Smith led the Minnesota Opera for 25 years before his retirement in 2011, during which the company expanded its season, doubled its attendance and grew its budget from $1.5 million to $9 million. Smith was also instrumental in forging the Arts Partnership, which turned the Ordway from a battleground of competing organizations into the smoothly running ship it is today.… Board chair Gordon Sprenger said in a statement, ‘Kevin Smith commands the respect of our arts community, and he will provide stable, knowledgeable leadership while we undertake a thorough President Search process.’ … Smith will begin work at the orchestra in July. The MOA also announced the appointment of Dianne Brennan as vice president of advancement. Brennan was director of development for the Guthrie Theater from 1997 to 2013. Funds raised during her tenure totaled nearly $250 million, including $90 million to build the new Guthrie.”
Posted May 23, 2014
