The San Antonio Symphony announced new leadership roles Monday to bolster the future success of the organization.
Earlier this year, the San Antonio Symphony’s board and major donors released the terms of a $600,000 funding agreement meant to lift the organization out of its financial troubles.
Symphony Receives $600,000 Boost from Donors, Board, Musicians
The Symphony, although highly regarded for its top musicians, had a pattern of operating deficits for the last 30 years. Part of the financial boost, which included funds from Bexar County and private donors, involved gifts dependent on a board restructuring and the addition of a fresh business plan.
The operations team hopes to strengthen the foundation of the nonprofit performing arts organization and reinforce future development plans. This week, organization leadership promoted “additional dedicated staffers to roles where their experience, passion, and drive will continue to shine.”
Karina Bharne, former vice president of concert production, has been named vice president and general manager of the symphony. Bharne joined the organization in 2011, where she originally served as director of orchestra personnel. Before heading to San Antonio, she worked at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in various roles and was the festival orchestra manager and manager of orchestral operations at the Aspen Music Festival. Bharne has a B.F.A in Trombone Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, and an M.A. in Arts Management
In addition to Bharne, the symphony has hired Jessica M. Anderson as vice president of marketing and public relations.
Anderson, who previously worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will work on marketing development and strategy, which includes promotions and advertising for the organization. Anderson is a native of Wichita, Kan. where she attended Kansas State University and received a B.S. in journalism and mass communications. She holds an M.A. in Arts Policy and Management from Birkbeck, University of London.
This isn’t Anderson’s first time working in the San Antonio art scene. In 2012, Anderson worked at the McNay Art Museum, where she managed membership and annual giving programs. In 2015, she served as the McNay’s director of membership and visitor services, where she oversaw a team that accomplished the highest membership rate in the museum’s history.
According to a news release, “Anderson is thrilled to be part of the growing performing arts scene in San Antonio and is looking forward to being part of the continued progressive shaping of the SA symphony, intending to reach out to new audiences while engaging and sustaining current loyal patrons.”
Annette Paulin, who served as director of grants for the symphony for four years, has been named vice president of development. In 2016, she was interim director of development, where she and her team saw the most successful fundraising season in the history of the organization.
Paulin has focused on management, development, and consultation work for more than 20 years. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Rollins College, has taken coursework in applied music at Texas State University, and recently completed the Master’s Certification Program in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration at the University of Texas in San Antonio. In 2002, Paulin founded Live Oak Initiative, providing consultation services to several organizations. Paulin also owned and operated a music school in downtown San Marcos for 10 years.
Part of Paulin’s new role at the symphony will focus on crafting the vision of the symphony’s contribution to the city’s cultural story, economic development, and music education in the region.
“I will continue to channel my passion for arts into cultivating relationships between the Symphony and the San Antonio community,” Paulin stated in a news release. “I believe that the power of engaging people in the arts cultivates vibrant and cohesive communities.”
“The San Antonio Symphony is fortunate to have these three extremely gifted professionals in leadership roles,” stated San Antonio Symphony President David Gross. “I am confident that Karina, Jessica, and Annette will contribute greatly to the Symphony’s future success.”
The San Antonio Symphony, with more than 70 professional musicians, serves more than 130,000 people per year including more than 40,000 students. To learn more about the organization, click here.
