The Phoenix Symphony has named veteran arts administrator Kate Francis to join the organization’s senior leadership team as Chief Development Officer.
Francis will work closely with The Phoenix Symphony President and CEO Suzanne Wilson and the Board of Directions to provide strategic direction and leadership for all fundraising initiatives including the annual fund; major, corporate and foundation gifts; planned giving and events.
“We are pleased to welcome Kate to The Phoenix Symphony,” said Wilson. “Her breadth of experience as a seasoned fundraiser and working in the world of performing arts will be a tremendous asset in guiding our organization to a new level of financial strength and philanthropic support.”
“I am excited to return to Arizona and thrilled to part of Arizona’s largest performing arts organization,” said Francis. “ I look forward to getting to know the Symphony’s dedicated patrons as well as working with Suzanne, Board Chair Molly DeFilippis, Music Director Tito Muñoz, and the talented musicians and staff as we fulfill the mission of creating high quality musical experiences that enrich the lives of our community and next generation of patrons.”
Francis has held a variety of arts management positions including President and Managing Director of the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois and Director of Development and Marketing for Jazz St. Louis.
She began her nearly 20-year fundraising career as an administrative assistant and then campaign manager for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Following her time at the St. Louis Symphony, Francis joined the Arizona Opera as Director of Development for Tucson and Southern Arizona. For the past six years, Francis was Vice President of Development for the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis, a privately funded united arts agency. Francis earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with honors from Monmouth College (IL).
“Her track record of affecting significant growth and success in fundraising and building sustainable, renewable donor relationships will be a valuable asset as the nonprofit organization looks to engage the community in new ways,” said Wilson.
A national executive search process was conducted by Arts Consulting Group and chaired by Board Member and Development Committee Chair Jeff Rich. Francis will begin her new role on June 1.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to welcome Kate to The Phoenix Symphony family,” said, Rich. “We are excited about Kate’s experience, and are grateful to be able to recruit such a talented fundraising professional during a critical juncture in the organization’s growth.”
About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization presenting classical and pops concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix as well as throughout central Arizona from September through the beginning of early June. Founded in 1947, The Symphony provides unparalleled civic value to the community by performing for more than 125,000 students and children annually as well as touching the lives of tens of thousands of adults through its health and wellness programs, including the nationally acclaimed Alzheimer’s Research Initiative through the B-Sharp Music Wellness, A W.O.N.D.E.R Project. For more information, visit phoenixsymphony.org.
