He fills a temporary position left vacant since July.
View full sizeThe Syracuse Symphony filled its top management position Wednesday.Syracuse Symphony Orchestra temporarily filled its top management position Wednesday. Paul C. Brooks, who was executive director of Syracuse Technology Garden until mid-July, was named interim executive director.
Brooks fills a temporary position left vacant when former Deputy County Executive Edward Kochian departed after seven months in July. The SSO’s board has been conducting a search to permanently fill the position held by Karen Gahl-Mills. She resigned as executive director in December to become executive director of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, based in Cleveland.
In the last three months, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra has weathered major challenges. The orchestra narrowly averted financial collapse and its closure in July. An “angel investor” stepped forward to underwrite its operating expenses. Nicki Inman, who has been overseeing daily operations and is vice president of patron development, resigned for a position with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra also is without a director of advancement.
The SSO board had hoped to have a permanent executive director on the job as it begins its 50th anniversary season, with its first concert Friday.
Brooks said board members, who knew of his availability, contacted him about the interim post. He believes his connections with the Central New York business and civic community also were a factor in the board’s interest. Frank and candid conversations about the SSO’s challenges were part of the job discussion, according to Brooks.
“None that are so intimidating that would have forced me to say I’m not interested,” he said Wednesday.
Paul C. Brooks was named interim executive director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday.Brooks, who assumes the job Thursday, said his first order of business will be to meet staff and learn their responsibilities and capabilities. He listed as his priorities fundraising and financial success. He also will handle hiring for the two open positions.
Brooks will oversee a budget of $7 million for the 2010-2011 season, and an administrative staff of 15 full-time and five part-time employees. The orchestra is composed of 63 core musicians, with 14 additional musicians. The salary for Gahl-Mills was $90,000 in 2008. SSO officials declined to say what Brooks will be paid.
In discussions with SSO board of trustees chair Rocco Mangano, Brooks said, they established no set departure date for his interim appointment. Brooks expressed interest in being considered as a candidate for the permanent position.
Brooks said he brings to the SSO experience in general management in business, strategic and event planning, leading, directing, assisting and mentoring and working with nonprofits.
A Syracuse University graduate, Brooks holds undergraduate degrees in
accounting and a master’s degree in marketing management. In his previous position at The Tech Garden in Syracuse, he was involved in creating technology businesses and fostering entrepreneurship in Central New York. Previously, he worked for Xerox Corp., CIS Corp., Sykes Datatronics, Cincom Systems and the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.
Brooks was introduced to SSO board members, musicians, staff and donors at the orchestra’s annual meeting Wednesday.
Brooks, who is 68 and a Syracuse native, lives in Cazenovia with his wife, Joan.