Columbus Symphony Reveals Senior Leadership Additions

As the Columbus Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 75th Anniversary season, it welcomes two new members to its senior leadership team. Jonathan Parish joins as Vice President of Artistic Planning & Programs, and Jacob Pope-McEntire has been appointed General Manager, setting the stage for a new chapter of inspiring leadership as the organization continues to deepen its commitment to building community through music.

As Vice President of Artistic Planning & Programs, Jonathan Parrish manages areas of artistic administration including planning season programming with Music Director Rossen Milanov, Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, Chorus Director Stephen Caracciolo, and Assistant Conductor Elias Miller. Parrish will manage relationships and contracts with world-class guest artists and their management, ensuring that the Columbus Symphony will continue to attract top-notch talent from across the nation and around the globe. He’ll also oversee the Symphony’s Education Department, which serves thousands of children and families annually through the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, the intensive Academy program for student musicians, in-school performances, Young People’s Concerts, and more.

With more than 20 years’ experience in arts management, Parrish most recently served as Vice President of Artistic and Orchestra Operations for the Buffalo Philharmonic, and previously held roles at the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Symphony, and Chamber Music Hawaii. Additionally, with over two decades’ experience as a professional horn player, Parrish has performed with the Washington National Opera, Washington Symphonic Brass, Harrisburg Symphony, and much more, including several Broadway national tours. He is a graduate of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and James Madison University.

As General Manager, Pope-McEntire will be responsible for behind-the-scenes logistics, ensuring that the talented musicians of the Columbus Symphony have what they need to perform at the highest level of professionalism and artistry. He will oversee operations including stage management, community engagement, personnel, and the music library, and will work with the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local 103 of the American Federation of Musicians to support a collaborative and productive partnership.

Pope-McEntire joined the Columbus Symphony after previously serving as Executive Director of Chamber Orchestra of the Springs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with additional experience at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. A percussionist and conductor, he has completed the League of American Orchestras Certificate in Essentials of Orchestra Management course, and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University and master’s degree from the University of British Columbia.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

30% of votes

2. Kevin Adams - Chess

15.4% of votes

3. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

7.4% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats