Press Release
September 12, 2011
Orchestra Nova: Fastest Growing Arts Organization in San Diego
Announces New Hires and Promotions
Orchestra Nova San Diego is announcing the addition of new staff members and the promotion of current staff members into new positions as it manages its unprecedented growth.
Matt Shoaf, Marketing Outreach Manager. His responsibilities will include the orchestra’s core marketing programs but his focus will be on social media, Internet-based marketing and the Nova Ambassador program. Matt has a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City in jazz performance and composition and has been active in the local San Diego music scene for the past two years.
Ross Moore, Nova Education Ambassador. His responsibilities will focus on expanding and managing Orchestra Nova’s current extensive music education programs in San Diego County. Those programs include Take 5 for Music, the Hunter Family Music Memory Program, theTune-up Festival and Master Classes throughout the year.
Ross was the museum educator for the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, for twelve years, renowned for his outreach programs, many of them music-related. He has been working as a consultant with the San Diego County Library for the past two years developing partnerships with community organizations, including his own creation and coordination of the San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase, which showcases local musicians in the libraries.
Karen Coutts, Development Consultant. Her responsibilities are to develop and build a strong infrastructure from which the orchestra can maximize donor and sponsorship activities, with a special emphasis upon ongoing care of the orchestra’s supporters. Karen is a professional with 17 years of experience in fundraising, passionate about the success of nonprofit organizations. Karen’s position is funded by the Clarence E. Heller Foundation.
Victoria Plettner-Saunders, Strategic Planning Consultant. She will lead the development of a strategic plan for the orchestra and assist with the initial implementation of the plan. Victoria is highly regarded in the San Diego arts community for her strategic planning acumen and for her passion for the arts. She has served in executive positions and as a principal advisor to many local organizations during the past 20 years. Victoria’s position is funded by The James E. Irvine Foundation.
Three Orchestra Nova employees have been promoted internally. Paige Satter, formerly the production and music education Manager, has been named director of concerts and operations. Erin Oleno, formerly the ticketing manager, has been named audience development manager. Her responsibilities will be focused on sales, partnerships and guest relations. Stella Karl, formerly a part-time administrative assistant, has been named ticketing manager and executive assistant.
Jorge Ramirez, a college student at the Art Institute of California-San Diego, has been named to the newly created position of Volunteer Coordinator, primarily focused on managing the Nova Host program, and Simon Livas has been named House Manager, also a newly created position for the orchestra.
“These are exciting times for Orchestra Nova and we are very fortunate to have an outstanding team that is poised to move us forward with our vision for a significantly enhanced music experience that will be felt locally as well as nationally,” says Beverly Lambert, chief executive officer. “With the artistic leadership of Jung-Ho Pak, the board leadership of president Sam Dychter and the passion of our outstanding professional musicians and staff, I believe that we have a winning combination that spells success.”
Photos are available.
