The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will be looking for a new Executive Director, at the same time it prepares to usher in a new Music Director (Conductor) later this year.
Sue Kellogg, who has been with the symphony for more than 22 years, including the last 16 years as its executive director, will step down, effective May 31, 2022. Kellogg said she feels the timing is right as it coincides with the selection of a new music director for the SMSO.
“The year I became the executive director was the same year that Robin Fountain became the music director.” she said. “We worked harmoniously side by side to advance the mission of the SMSO for 14 years. I could not have asked for a better colleague to work with and I wish the same for the next team.” “I truly believe I am leaving the SMSO better than I found it for the next music director and executive director to be able to take it to new levels of excellence together,” Kellogg continued.
Having worked with Kellogg for over a decade, former Music Director Robin Fountain said he felt privileged to work with her. “Over time we developed the ability to proceed truly “in concert:” Deeply shared goals enabled us to solidify the triumphs and weather the failures as one,” he said. “This is not the experience of every music director. I was and remain profoundly grateful.”
As past SMSO board president, Dr. Norma Tirado said that having partnered with Kellogg, she felt Kellogg was innovative, tenacious and highly dedicated to the success of SMSO as well as being an exceptional Executive Director and collaborator. “She believes in our mission of Transforming Lives Through Music, and respects and cares deeply for the musicians, as well as for the community we served,” Tirado said. “Sue has been a great leader, inspiring the board and music director to give their all for an organization that aims to improve the lives of the people it touches.”
During her tenure, Kellogg has spent countless hours working to ensure that the symphony will remain a viable part of the arts community within Southwest Michigan. As a result of Kellogg’s leadership during the uncertain time of the pandemic and all of the restrictions, the symphony was able to pivot and provide music to the community by offering pop-up outside concerts that patrons could attend free of charge.
In addition, Kellogg said that during the summers of 2020 and 2021, the symphony took part in an Arts Challenge through the Berrien Community Foundation. The SMSO, along with nine other arts organizations, were challenged to raise $75,000 that would be matched and would then benefit all 10 organizations.
The challenge exceeded expectations, raising $216,048 in 2020 and $155,000 in 2021 to benefit the organizations that participated. “Working together, we exceeded our goal,” she said. “It is evident that this community loves and supports the arts.”
Tirado said that under Kellogg’s leadership, the SMSO developed its Summer Series and started the Music Makers program with the Boys and Girls Program. “Sue will be greatly missed, but she leaves the organization in a great position as we survived some very difficult years during this pandemic,” Tirado said.
Current board president, Bill Downey, agrees. “Sue’s energetic leadership over the years has been a constant, regardless of what the external economic conditions have been,” he said. “The ship has been extremely steady. Now as we also look to bring on a new music director, she’s setting us up for a really bright future for some great new musical opportunities. All of us on the board are looking forward to what more we’ll be able to accomplish thanks to the foundation that Sue has built.”
“Memorable music-making occurs when each and every performer is committed to supporting, nurturing, and valuing the contribution of those around them as everyone works together toward a shared artistic vision” Fountain said. “As it is on stage, so is it between stage and management.”
Because of her passion for the symphony, Kellogg said that while she will be retiring, she will not step away entirely, and is planning to help as a volunteer with the SMSO, possibly helping to lead small fundraisers. “The association has a dedicated board, and I am honored to have been a part of it for so many years,” she said. “I am extremely excited to see what the new chapter has in store for the organization and the community!”
As the SMSO board begins its search for a new executive director, Kellogg said she will do her best to provide a smooth transition and will be available for consultation for both the new executive director as well as the new music director once they are on board and have settled in. “I have established many wonderful relationships through the years and want to make sure they are being taken care of in the transition, as well as help those coming in to become acclimated to the job, and the community.”
Anyone interested in applying for the executive director position can submit their application outlining their qualifications for the position, including a statement of interest, a resume, and three references. Candidates should submit materials electronically by February 19, 2022, to SMSO.ExecutiveSearch@gmail.com
