NEWS RELEASE
Date: August 21, 2019 Contact: Lexi Locke
For Immediate Release Phone: 417.864.6683
Photos Available Upon Request Cell: 417.860.9690
Fax: 417.864.8967
lexi@springfieldmosymphony.org
Springfield Symphony welcomes new Executive Director in its 85th season
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – As the Springfield Symphony Orchestra is opening its 85th season, there is a new face in the position for Executive Director. After 31 years with the Springfield Symphony, Executive Director Janice Bennett put in her notice for retirement. In November 2018, Bennett announced her retirement that would be effective as of June 30, 2019.
Janice joined the Springfield Symphony in the summer of 1988. During her tenure with the Orchestra, Bennett served as Finance Manager and Finance Director and trained all new employees in their respective positions. In March 2006, Bennett accepted the position of Director of Finance/Administration in charge of operations of the organization after the restructuring of positions by the Board of Directors and then promoted to Executive Director in October 2006.
The Springfield Symphony’s new Executive Director, Jennifer Cotner-Jones, joined the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in April 2019. Jennifer joins the SSO with over 20 years of non-profit experience. Her passion for serving others has provided her with vast experiences ranging from development, event planning, volunteer recruitment, marketing, and donor relations. Her love of music and community brought her to the Springfield Symphony.
“I am truly honored to be the new Executive Director for one of the best and brightest arts organizations in our region,” stated Cotner-Jones. “The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is a leader in the arts community and I attribute that to Kyle Wiley Pickett; our visionary Music Director, the Board, Staff, and the wonderfully talented musicians. We are all dedicated to musical excellence, commitment to community, and expanding our financial strength.”
Cotner-Jones attended Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia with a dual BA in Finance and Marketing. She also serves as Secretary on her church council at Trinity Lutheran Church, the Business Team at New Covenant Academy as well as serving as her daughter’s class section leader. With Cotner-Jones and Pickett at the helm, the Springfield Symphony begins its upcoming season American Playlist starting September 21, 2019 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Season tickets are currently on sale at the Springfield Symphony office (411 N. Sherman Pkwy). Patrons can either stop in the Symphony office or call the office at 417-864-6683 to purchase season tickets. Single tickets will go on sale starting in September 2019 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office, and can be purchased by calling (417) 836-7678 or online at www.missouristatetix.com. Single Ticket prices range from $10 – $45 and discounts are available for students and seniors. For more information about the Springfield Symphony’s upcoming season, visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org/.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional funding for all Springfield Symphony Orchestra programming is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. For more information, visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org or www.facebook.com/springfieldsymphony.
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