The New York Pops Announces Expansion of Board and Staff Promotions

The New York Pops' Chairman James A. Read has announced the appointment of James N. Blake and William T. Sullivan to the Board of Directors and the promotion of Anne M. Swanson to Executive Director.

Mr. Read states, "The New York Pops Board of Directors warmly welcomes Mr. Blake and Mr. Sullivan to the board and Anne as our new Executive Director. We have been very pleased with Ms. Swanson's dedication to the organization these many years. She possesses the skills and enthusiasm to complement Music Director Steven Reineke. The New York Pops will continue on a
strong trajectory for many years to come."

James N. Blake is Owner/Vice President of Professional Golf Car Corporation of Florida and Owner/Executive Vice President of Texas Liquid Partners, LLC., a natural gas distribution company. He traded commodities futures from 1980-2000 as a member of the New York Mercantile Exchange. An active community leader, Mr. Blake served on the Town Council and School Board of Essex Fells where he was a resident from 1995-2005. He has been a fan and generous supporter of The New York Pops for several years. Mr. Blake currently lives in Verona, NJ.

William T. Sullivan is President/CEO of Ronald McDonald House® New York, where he oversees fundraising efforts and manages day-to-day operations for the facility which serves as a "home away from home" for pediatric cancer patients and their families. He has been instrumental in forging Ronald McDonald House's longstanding relationship with The New York Pops, including encouraging the development of an in-depth music program and joint benefit concert each year. A native of Boston, MA, Mr. Sullivan is himself a survivor of prostate cancer, and resides in New York City.

Anne M. Swanson has been promoted to Executive Director. Ms. Swanson joined The New York Pops in September 2001 as assistant to the orchestra's founding music director Skitch Henderson. She has served as General Manager since 2008. Over the 10 years she has lived in New York City she has served in a volunteer role for Brooklyn Underground Film Festival as Festival Director 2004-2006; screening committee member for the Hamptons International Film Festival; and volunteers for a number of community based committees. Ms. Swanson is originally from Minnesota, she holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota; she was a member of the fifth graduating class of the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Ms. Swanson currently resides in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Joanne Winograd Brockington has been promoted to Director of Marketing and e-Strategy after joining The New York Pops in 2006 and recently serving as Education and Marketing Manager. Mrs. Brockington holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Oberlin College. Nicholai Joaquin has been named to the position of Artistic Administrator after joining The New York Pops as
Office and Development Coordinator in 2008. Mr. Joaquin is a graduate of New York University with a bachelor's degree and double major in vocal performance and anthropology. Stacy Bauerlein has been hired as Development Associate. Ms. Bauerlein is currently completing a Master's degree in Performing Arts Administration at New York University. A graduate of
Emory University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology, she previously held internships with the New York Philharmonic and American Ballet Theatre.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK POPS
The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of their highest subscription renewal rates. The New York Pops was founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America's rich musical heritage. Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops tours throughout the world and gives free concerts in New York City parks. The New York Pops' extensive education programs allow thousands of public schoolchildren to participate in concert and music-making experiences at Carnegie Hall and in schools throughout the five
boroughs of New York City.