The Phoenix Symphony President and Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Wilson will step down from her position to relocate to London, England for a unique opportunity presented to her family. Wilson’s departure will be late fall 2022.
Wilson joined TPS in January 2020 working tirelessly to rebuild the multi-million-dollar organization, ultimately redefining its entire business model and culture to ensure its sustainability. She launched the 75th anniversary season following COVID, successfully returning musicians to the stage and patrons to Symphony Hall. Wilson was at the forefront of securing the trust and confidence of the community, yielding the largest gift in the history of the organization. She reintroduced many robust community engagement programs benefiting schools, hospitals, Alzheimer’s care facilities and homeless shelters. The opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in various communities in the metro Phoenix area that hope to benefit from music as a form of entertainment and healing are set to expand thanks to Wilson’s experience.
“Phoenix embraced me from day one and I am so grateful to our patrons and community partners for their support and friendship,” said Wilson. “I am proud of the tremendous progress we have made as an organization. It is an incredible honor to lead TPS alongside Board of Director’s Chair Molly DeFilippis, as well as our dedicated Board members. Additionally, what a privilege it is to work with our Virginia G. Piper Music Director Tito Muñoz, talented musicians and remarkable staff. TPS is well poised for its next CEO to forge ahead. Over the next several months, I will continue to advocate for and champion this renowned institution and look forward to helping in any way I can.”
TPS Board of Directors has selected Isaacson, Miller, a premier search firm for the performing arts to lead the global search. The President and CEO Search Committee is Chaired by Board of Directors member Mo Stein and includes additional board members, musicians, staff and prominent community leaders serving as ambassadors.
“The Phoenix Symphony has a magic to it that serves as an anchor for Phoenix far beyond our performance season,” said Stein. “Our committee views this as more than an executive search. Our next leader needs to have exceptional creativity and innovation to meet our goals not only as a performing arts organization, but as a true community leader and connector for Phoenix. We look forward to working with the team at Isaacson, Miller on this search that will include looking beyond traditional performing arts executives.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to express my deepest thanks and admiration to Suzanne for her extraordinary service, visionary leadership and endless positive energy,” said DeFilippis. “Managing a performing arts organization in the 21st century is one of the most daunting challenges any leader could face, whether in the profit or nonprofit world. Suzanne rose to the challenge and had immediate impact. Her professionalism, grace and kindness enable her to genuinely engage and collaborate with anyone. I look forward to continue working with Suzanne and welcoming our next President and CEO.”
