Walker Beard. Photo by Aviva Maller Photography.
Orchestra Lumos, based in Stamford, Connecticut, has appointed Walker Beard as president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Russell Jones in the role. Beard currently serves as director of operations at the Dallas Opera, managing artistic administration, production, artist development, and digital initiatives. He led programs that helped strengthen the Dallas Opera’s fundraising capacity and increased support from donors and foundations. Prior to Dallas, Beard led operations for the Mostly Mozart Festival, Great Performers series, and White Light Festival at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, NOVUS New York, and the Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street. Beard has ties to the music community in Connecticut, having pursued graduate studies at the University of Connecticut and served on the faculty of Sacred Heart University. Jones will transition into a consulting capacity at Orchestra Lumos to ensure a seamless leadership transition. Previously, Jones was Director of the Association of British Orchestras and Vice President of Marketing and Membership at the League of American Orchestras, later serving on the League’s Board of Directors. In 2012, he joined the New York Philharmonic as Director of Major Gifts, and in 2017 became President and CEO of Orchestra Lumos. Michael Stern is music director of Orchestra Lumos.
