RENO PHIL ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT & CEO-AARON DOTY

Reno, Nev. (December 5, 2023)— In July of 2023, the Reno Phil Board of Directors announced the beginning of a national search to find the next President & CEO of the organization. After an extensive search process led by members of the Reno Phil Board with the assistance of Aspen Leadership Group, Aaron Doty has been selected as the next President & CEO of the Reno Phil.

“We knew right away when we met Aaron that he was exactly who we were missing at the Reno Phil,” said Reno Phil Board Chair, Meagan Noin. “We were impressed with him not only because of his extensive experience with orchestras, but because he is an ideal fit for our community.”

With significant consideration given to the skills, experiences and expertise needed to successfully guide the Reno Phil into the next chapter of growth, the Reno Phil Board has selected Doty to serve in this critical leadership role. 

“I could not be more excited and thrilled to have Aaron join the Reno Phil team,“ said Laura Jackson, Music Director and Conductor of the Reno Phil. “The depth of his knowledge and experience, as well as his personal warmth, make him an ideal fit for the institution and the community. I absolutely cannot wait to work with him.”

Doty will succeed Ignacio Barrón Viela, who served as the Reno Phil’s President & CEO and resigned earlier this year. The search process took several months and over 20 applicants from all over the nation sought the position. Reno Phil staff, musicians and core supporters also participated and provided feedback during various stages of the interview process. 

“I am humbled and grateful to the Reno Phil Board, the musicians, and the staff for extending this opportunity to me to become a part of the Reno Phil family,” said incoming Reno Phil President & CEO, Aaron Doty. “My wife, Eileen, and I are extremely excited to be joining the Reno community.”

Doty began his career as a music teacher in Madison, Wisconsin while also performing as a bassist in jazz and orchestral settings. Doty has held various roles in the arts and entertainment industry since 2005, starting as the Orchestra Personnel & Operations Manager for the Washington National Opera, where he served as primary liaison between the orchestra, music director, and administration. In subsequent roles, he served as Manager of Artistic Operations, Co-interim Executive Director, Operations Director, and Director of Strategy and Engagement. In 2019, he became the Vice President and General Manager of the Grand Rapids Symphony, currently in it’s 94th season. Additionally, Doty earned Master of Music in Conducting from Ohio University in 2005.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Laura Jackson, the remarkable Reno Phil musicians, a great board, and an energetic and passionate staff,” said Doty.

The Reno Phil is confident that under Doty’s leadership the organization will find continued success in achieving its mission and vision.

The Reno Phil thanks the community for the continued support and partnership as they welcome Doty into his new role. He will be starting in his new position mid-January.

For additional information, media materials, and interview inquiries, please contact: Matthew Clark at matthew@renophil.com or 775-323-6393. Headshot can be found here. Photo Credit: Joseph LeBlanc.

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