THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY NAMES DEREK A. JOHNSON CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

JOHNSON HAS HELD MARKETING LEADERSHIP ROLES AT THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

Photo credit: Leonard Poteat

Seattle, WA – Derek A. Johnson will join the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) on January 5, 2026.

As a senior member of the Seattle Symphony’s leadership team, Johnson will have an essential role in overseeing the institutional marketing of the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall, including brand, digital, communications, design and public relations strategies, both external and internal. The CMO is a key member of the senior leadership team and reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As CMO, he will have a pivotal voice in the organization's strategy, direction and vision for the future.

Johnson is a marketing and audience strategy leader with nearly 20 years of experience across major American arts institutions. He is currently serving as Interim Vice President of Marketing at the Nashville Symphony. Prior to this, Johnson served as Vice President of Marketing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversaw integrated marketing strategy for more than 2,000 annual programs. Johnson began his marketing career at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

“I am delighted to welcome Derek to Seattle,” said Maria Yang, Acting CEO and Chief Development & Project Officer. “His strong marketing and leadership expertise, particularly at the Kennedy Center, in coordination with the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, will be incredibly valuable as we build audiences for the Seattle Symphony and as we expand our offerings in Benaroya Hall. As we prepare to conclude our Amplify campaign and re-open the Hall next September, Derek will have a unique and exciting opportunity to shape our message and elevate our Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall brands, as we expand the ways we welcome audiences and serve our community.”

“I am truly excited to join the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall at such a meaningful moment,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working with the team to build audiences, try new approaches and further strengthen Benaroya Hall’s place as both a welcoming home for our community and a vibrant cultural destination for Seattle. I am eager to build on the great work already happening and help expand how Benaroya Hall connects with people throughout our region and beyond.”

DEREK A. JOHNSON CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Derek A. Johnson is a marketing and audience strategy leader with nearly 20 years of experience across major American arts institutions. He most recently served as Interim Vice President of Marketing at the Nashville Symphony, where he guided marketing, sales and audience development during a key period of organizational transition.

Prior to his work in Nashville, Johnson served as Vice President of Marketing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. At the Kennedy Center, he oversaw integrated marketing strategy for more than 2,000 annual programs, supporting initiatives for the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, jazz, hip hop and contemporary culture, social impact, theater, dance, education and multidisciplinary programming. Across these roles, Johnson has had the great fortune of helping to build and expose new audiences to the performing arts through diverse and mission-driven programming.

Johnson began his career at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, advancing from Marketing and Public Relations Intern to Senior Marketing Manager. His work across orchestras and multidisciplinary organizations reflects a commitment to expanding access to the performing arts and creating inclusive, data-informed audience pathways.

A flutist, Johnson performs with Anita’s Flutes and the Category 5 Wind Ensemble, both community-based groups. He previously served as a Teaching Artist with the DC Youth Orchestra Program. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Johnson has served on the boards of One More Plate and the Phoenix International School of the Arts.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY

Under the leadership of Music Director Xian Zhang, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts.

BENAROYA HALL

Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org.

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