Asheville Syphony selects new executive director
October 8, 2012
David N. Whitehill, the executive director of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra in Bangor, Maine, has been named the new executive director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra in Asheville, NC. Whitehill will replace Steven R. Hageman who is retiring as executive director after managing the orchestra for sixteen seasons. Mr. Hageman will continue to assist the organization on a part-time basis.
Whitehill, a native of West Palm Beach, FL, has been the executive director of the Bangor Symphony since November 2007. Under his leadership, the BSO has expanded its audience base, increased its annual fund and surpassed budget goals, for which the orchestra was named the 2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Business of the Year. In May 2012 Whitehill was named to the Maine Today Media Forty Under 40 list of the top young business and community leaders in Maine. He currently serves as vice chair of the board of the Bangor Area Children’s Choir. Prior to his position in Bangor, Whitehill was manager of artistic operations at the Philharmonic Society of Orange County in Irvine, CA. He also worked in the education department of the Pacific Symphony in Santa Ana, CA. He received his education at the League of American Orchestra’s Leadership Academy in New York, NY, the Conductor’s Institute at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, and the School of Music at Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is married to Reston, VA native Jessica Whitehill.
Whitehill said, “I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Asheville Symphony. I believe strongly in this orchestra and its mission. I’m excited to join a committed board and guild,
vibrant chorus, thriving youth orchestra, dedicated staff, and passionate musicians and music director as we build upon the great tradition that has been established. There’s a wonderful culture of live music in Asheville and Buncombe County, and I look forward to being part of that.”
Bill Gettys, ASO Board President said, “We are very excited that David Whitehill will be joining us to lead the Asheville Symphony in its mission to promote great music and educate young and old about the value of this art form. His innovative ideas and creativity will make our city a better place to live.“