Nittany Valley Symphony welcomes new executive director
The board of the Nittany Valley Symphony is pleased to welcome Rebecca Richards as its executive director. Richards replaces Gabriel Herrera, who accepted an opportunity to pursue a doctorate in music at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
Richards, who recently moved to State College, earned her master of public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Brigham Young University, and she has a bachelor of science degree in human resource management, also from Brigham Young.
“We are excited to begin working with Rebecca. She literally went to school to study how to be an executive director at a nonprofit organization such as ours,” said board President Lisa A. Schroeder. “She impressed the interview committee with her thorough knowledge of the fundraising process and relationship management, her experience working with nonprofit boards of various sizes, her organizational skills, and her savvy when it comes to marketing through social media and the website.”
Richards has experience as a development assistant for the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, where she assisted in the development of a $16.5 million fundraising campaign, and supported the development team in closing a $250,000 gift.
She also worked at Grantwell, a program that offers consulting services to nonprofit and philanthropic entities. With Grantwell, she led seven teams managing fundraising, grantmaking and program evaluation projects, advising $500,000 in philanthropic funds. She also facilitated large-scale training sessions and events.
“I’m honored to join the Nittany Valley Symphony as its next executive director. As a harpist with 18 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of performing with orchestras throughout my career and have developed a deep love and respect for classical music,” Richards said.
“In this new role, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the symphony’s dedicated board and the exceptional musicians who make up our community. My goal is to expand the symphony’s presence, strengthen its resources, and broaden its artistic impact — so that even more people can experience the power and beauty of live music.”
As executive director, Richards will work closely with Music Director and Conductor Timothy Farrand in the planning and preparation of each concert season.
“Rebecca brings a remarkable blend of energy, insight, and organizational skill to her new role,” Farrand said. “Her background and previous successes reflect a clear sense of care and dedication to her work, and I’m excited to collaborate with Rebecca as we continue to grow and strengthen the Nittany Valley Symphony. Her vision and enthusiasm will be an asset as we enter a new chapter of creative possibility.”
Richards also will lead the way in cultivating sources of support for the symphony, manage the office and the organization’s budget, and maintain the symphony’s presence on social media and the web.
In addition, Richards plays the harp, and runs her own business providing elegant harp music for luxury weddings and events.
Media Contact:
Annemarie Mountz, secretary, NVS Board, amountz@gmail.com