Leslie Jackson Chihuly Names President & CEO Position with $2.5M Gift to Seattle Symphony
Seattle - The Seattle Symphony today announced that Board Chair Leslie Jackson Chihuly has made a $2.5 million gift to the Seattle Symphony to create the Leslie Jackson Chihuly Chair, endowing the Symphony's executive leadership position in perpetuity.
Simultaneously with this announcement, the Symphony also announced that Executive Director Simon Woods will take the new title of President and CEO, in recognition of his significant achievements since his arrival in 2011.
Leslie Chihuly commented: “My six years as Board Chair of this organization has been a labor of love. The Symphony is the jewel in the crown of Seattle’s arts organizations, and its incredible success in the past four years has been evident for all to see. I’m honored beyond words to have been Chair through this period, and to have served not only the Symphony, but also this city that I love so much. Since the day Simon arrived in Seattle, he has been my partner in the quest to make the Seattle Symphony one of America’s most forward-thinking and dynamic orchestras, and it seemed fitting, as I contemplated a major gift to the organization, for me to name this vital position.”
“Leslie’s vision and passion for the Seattle Symphony was a decisive factor in my decision to come here four years ago” commented Woods. “For an executive leader of a major arts organization there is no more critical relationship than with the Chair. Leslie is a remarkable person and an extraordinary force for good. She motivates all those around her with positive energy, and she has imbued our organization with an affirmative spirit that drives us constantly forward. It is my hope that others will follow Leslie in helping us build long term financial foundations that will allow the Symphony to thrive, innovate and grow over the long term. But in the meantime, she has my deepest thanks for her generosity, and for this immense gesture of confidence in the organization and in me.”
The Seattle Symphony’s endowment, which is managed by the Seattle Symphony Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 with its own Board of Directors, is currently valued at $25 million. “The Seattle Symphony has by far the smallest endowment of its peer group” explained Woods. “Leslie’s gift forms part of our ongoing efforts to at least triple the size of the endowment over the coming years, through the endowing of key positions in the orchestra and our extensive programs serving young people and the community.”