Greenville, SC – Jessica Satava, the executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, has been selected to join the third cohort of the League of American Orchestras’ Anne Parsons Leadership Program. This program, which began in 2023, is designed to foster greater gender diversity in executive leadership within orchestras and to cultivate a mentorship culture across the field.
Details of the Leadership Program
The Anne Parsons Leadership Program, named after the late Anne Parsons, who led the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 17 years, provides participants with various professional development opportunities. The upcoming 2026–27 cohort will meet in person during the League’s National Conference in Baltimore from June 1-3, as well as engage in online coaching sessions, leadership training, quarterly forums, and bimonthly mentorship discussions. The participants will also network virtually to create a supportive community.
Simon Woods, president and CEO of the League, emphasized the importance of leadership and organizational culture in the orchestra sector, stating, “We are proud to continue Anne’s legacy by investing in these six exceptional leaders, helping to support their professional growth and investing in the contribution they will make to the orchestra field in the future.”
In addition to Satava, other members of the cohort include Jennifer Barton from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Evin Blomberg of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Lindsey Nova with the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras, Marianne Rice of the Jacksonville Symphony, and Gabriela de Souza from the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra is currently celebrating its 78th season and serves over 50,000 individuals each year through various performances, educational programs, and community events. For more information, residents can visit the symphony’s official website.
Why It Matters
Satava’s selection into the Anne Parsons Leadership Program highlights ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the arts. By preparing future leaders in the orchestral field, the program aims to create a more equitable environment that ultimately enhances the cultural landscape of communities served by these organizations.
