Symphony Tacoma has selected Karina Bharne as its next Executive Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She will begin her tenure in September 2018.
Experienced in all facets of orchestra administration, Ms. Bharne most recently held the role of Interim Executive Director with the San Antonio Symphony, where she successfully stabilized operations during a time of significant organizational change. Her other roles at the San Antonio Symphony have included Vice President/General Manager and Director of Orchestra Personnel. Ms. Bharne’s professional experience also includes leadership roles at various arts organizations throughout the United States and Canada, including the Goh Ballet in Vancouver, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Ms. Bharne is an active volunteer with Spay Neuter Inject Protect San Antonio, an organization dedicated to helping create a sustainable animal population. A trained musician, she holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in trombone performance and master of arts management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
In making the announcement, President of the Board of Directors Mike De Luca said, “We were fortunate to have had an exceptionally strong pool of candidates and even more fortunate to have been able to engage Karina Bharne to be Symphony Tacoma’s next Executive Director. Karina’s strong experience and background, as well as the vibrant, thoughtful, and innovative approach she brings to her work, have led to the successes she has had to this point in her career. She is perfectly positioned to lead Symphony Tacoma, in partnership with Maestra Sarah Ioannides, to achieving our aspirational vision of building community through music and becoming indispensable to our community.”
“I am honored to join Symphony Tacoma and partner with the musicians, chorus, board, and staff to further the organization’s mission,” said Ms. Bharne. “I am excited to become more acquainted with the beautiful city of Tacoma and to continue building and strengthening the impact that the organization has on the community through meaningful collaborations, as well as furthering the strong artistic vision created by Maestra Ioannides.”
“Congratulations to Karina Bharne on her placement as Symphony Tacoma’s next Executive Director,” said ACG Associate Vice President Peter Mraz. “As a visionary leader, Ms. Bharne’s experience in orchestra administration will greatly benefit Symphony Tacoma as it creates a more vibrant community through the power of music. We wish Ms. Bharne and Symphony Tacoma the very best as the organization begins its next chapter.”
August 2018