SLSO announces promotions to staff, newly-created position

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) announced the promotion of two senior leaders and the creation of a new position to its staff.

On Wednesday, SLSO promoted Erik Finley to vice president and general manager, and Maureen Byrne to associate vice president of Education and Community Partnerships.

“Erik and Maureen have made extraordinary contributions to the SLSO and to the St. Louis Community. These promotions reflect their passion and dedication,” Marie-Hélène Barnard, president and CEO of SLSO, said. “The alignment of their talented teams as part of one department will better support and strengthen our strategic plan and will allow us to even more effectively serve our community for years to come.”

Finley first began with SLSO as an artistic planning consultant in March of 2017. As president and general manager, he will continue to align artistic and operations with education and community partnerships.

Before joining the SLSO team, Finley served as vice president of Artistic Administration at Fort Worth Symphony, as well as head of operations and artisitc planning at The Florida Orchestra.

Byrne is a nine-year veteran of the SLSO. She will continue to lead the orchestra’s education and community-focused programs in her new role as associate vice president. Programs will range from education concerts hosted at Powel Hall to partnerships and performances throughout the St. Louis region.

SLSO works to make music accessible in the St. Louis community through the Music Without Boundaries, IN UNISON, and SymphonyCares programs. Through its continued efforts, SLSO has impacted thousands of lives each year with over 80 free community concerts held across the region.

Finley and Byrne will fall into their new promotions, effective immediately.

The SLSO announced the creation of its new position, Director of Hospitality and Audience Experience.

“The creation of an audience experience position reaffirms the SLSO’s commitment to excellent customer service,” Bernard said.

Filling this newly-created position is Kelsey Templeton. Before joining the SLSO team in May 2019, Templeton worked for Spire, Inc. where she was responsible in supervising facilities administration and creating a hospitality program.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Kelsey to the SLSO family,” Bernard said. “As we begin a historic new era with Stéphane Denève as music director, I am proud to continue to serve the SLSO alongside such a remarkable and creative team.”

Bringing a combination of hotel and restaurant experiences from institutions such as Waldrof Asotria, as well as event management from Nine Network, Templeton will work with all SLSO departments to ensure exceptional customers service for guests.

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