HAMPTON ROADS — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Shannon Kelly as its new President & CEO.
Kelly has been the VSO’s Vice President of Development since January 2023 and succeeds Andrea F. Warren, who has led the organization since December 2022 and retired at the end of June.
“It is a tremendous privilege to lead the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as its next President & CEO,” said Kelly. “The VSO is artistically outstanding, and its exceptional commitment to creating connections and building community through the power of music deeply resonates with me. I look forward to working alongside the VSO’s talented musicians, staff, board, and supporters to carry this extraordinary legacy forward and increase our impact across Hampton Roads and beyond.”
Kelly brings over 20 years of combined experience in arts leadership and public-private partnerships to her role, VSO said, adding during her time as Vice President of Development, she rebuilt the VSO’s network of philanthropic support after the pandemic, achieving 20% annual growth in donations, including individual, corporate, government and foundation support.
Prior to joining the Virginia Symphony, Kelly served on the senior leadership team of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, where she oversaw all government relations for the foundation. In this role, she doubled public support for the foundation’s education programs and helped manage the foundation’s public-private partnership with the National Park Service.
“Shannon Kelly is an accomplished leader with deep expertise in performing arts, advocacy, and education, as well as a proven track record of securing the necessary funding to bring world-class classical music to Virginia. Her visionary leadership and passion for music will ensure a vibrant future for the VSO and the entire Hampton Roads community,” said new VSO Board Chairman Gordon Robertson.
Kelly’s prior experience includes roles in policy and arts advocacy, including at the National Association for Music Education. Kelly was also a Presidential Management Fellow with the federal government, serving as a budget and finance specialist for a range of federal public health programs.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory with a concentration in music-in-education, and a master’s degree in public policy from American University with a concentration in public budgeting and finance. She is also a former studio voice instructor and professional singer.
