Heidi Kelley has been named executive director of the Binghamton Philharmonic, succeeding Stephen Wilson. Kelley, appointed following what was described as “an extensive national search,” will join the Philharmonic on March 1. Currently she is executive director of the Abilene (Texas) Philharmonic.
“The board of directors is pleased to welcome Heidi Kelley,” said board president Susan Burtis in a press release, “and looks forward to our collaboration in bringing great music to the Binghamton area. We are very fortunate to have a new executive director of this caliber.”
Added José-Luis Novo, music director and conductor of the Binghamton Philharmonic: “I am delighted to welcome Heidi Kelley … She comes with impressive professional credentials and brings a type of energy and personality that I believe will be a wonderful fit to our organization. I am very excited to start working together to make sure the Philharmonic remains the vibrant institution that it is right now.”
Kelley’s accomplishments in Abilene include collaboration with the Abilene Independent School District to create a new education program for elementary students, as well as the creation of a new chamber series of conductor-less concerts. Prior to her appointment in Abilene, she was the marketing director of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Fort Myers, Fla.
Kelley, who is working on a doctoral degree in public policy and administration, said she is “looking forward to working with the Philharmonic staff and Board of Directors in order to continue to inspire, educate and entertain the Binghamton community.”
The board of directors expressed gratitude to Interim Executive Director Jon Mosbo, “who helped facilitate a smooth transition in the organization’s top administrative position.”
The Philharmonic currently is in its 57th season of presenting live classical, pops and chamber music concerts to thousands of residents of Broome and surrounding counties. It was founded in 1956 as the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society under the artistic leadership of the late Fritz Wallenberg. The Binghamton Symphony was renamed the Binghamton Philharmonic in 1996 when it merged with the B.C. Pops. The Philharmonic performs at the Anderson Center of Binghamton University and at The Forum in downtown Binghamton.

— Barb Van Atta