League of American Orchestras Names Third Anne Parsons Leadership Program Cohort

Six orchestra professionals from across the country will join the third cohort of the League of American Orchestras' Anne Parsons Leadership Program, the League has announced. Launched in 2023, the program is designed to build greater gender diversity in executive leadership roles and encourage a culture of mentorship and support across the orchestra field. Participants were selected based on their experience, vision, and dedication to advancing gender equity in American orchestra leadership.

  "Anne Parsons believed deeply that the strength of our field depended on leadership and organizational culture,” says League President and CEO Simon Woods. “We are proud to continue Anne's legacy by investing in these six exceptional leaders, helping to support their professional growth and investing in the contribution they will make to the orchestra field in the future."  

The New Cohort:

Jennifer Barton, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Strategy Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Evin Blomberg, Musician, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 

Lindsey Nova, Executive Director, Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras

Marianne Rice, Ed.D., Vice President, Music Education and Community Impact, Jacksonville Symphony

Jessica Satava, Executive Director, Greenville Symphony 

Gabriela de Souza, Head of Artistic Planning, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra

Program Activities  

Participants will meet in person at the League's National Conference in Baltimore, June 1-3, 2026, and take part in online leadership training and coaching sessions, bimonthly conversations with mentors, and quarterly Leadership Forums. The cohort will also meet virtually as a group throughout the year to learn from each other, share resources, and build community.   

About the Anne Parsons Leadership Program  

The Anne Parsons Leadership Program is designed to build greater gender diversity in leadership roles in the country's 50 largest-budget orchestras: 70% of larger orchestras currently have men as executive directors. Research shows that as well as creating fair opportunities for all, gender diversity at senior levels in organizations improves decision-making and performance, strengthens organizational culture, and enhances creativity. The program aims to advance a new generation of candidates with the capacity to take on C-suite roles in major orchestras as well as building a culture of mentorship, coaching, and support across the orchestra field. Participation in the program is free of charge.  

For the June 2026 to June 2027 program, six participants have been selected based on their demonstrated experience, vision for the field, and commitment to leading, serving, and building greater gender diversity in leadership roles in American orchestras. Eligible candidates had either a minimum of five years of professional experience in the orchestra field or were currently in an executive leadership role in orchestras or comparable music organizations, including music festivals and arts organizations.    

Each participant will receive a travel stipend and free registration to the League's National Conference in 2026, as well as a gratis, one-year professional membership to the League of American Orchestras.