Molly Sasse has been named executive director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Association, Board President Susan Rich announced today.
Ms. Sasse has served as the CSO’s acting executive director since October 2007.
Ms. Sasse was selected after a six-month-long national search headed by CSO board member Spencer McCallie.
“We hired the search firm of Cathy French Associates in Washington, D.C.,” said Mr. McCallie. “Ms. French, who had served as head of the American Symphony Orchestra League for several years, helped us narrow down a field of more than 21 candidates. After multiple meetings, reviewing resumes and interviewing six candidates, the search committee realized that the Symphony was extremely fortunate to have our strongest candidate already on the job. We enthusiastically recommended Molly to the board for the permanent position.”
“The board is so excited about Molly becoming the executive director,” said Ms. Rich. “She has worked tirelessly this year to help us turn around a troubling financial situation and put the CSO back on solid footing. Her background in music as well as in arts administration makes her well suited for the position, plus she is very familiar with Chattanooga, our musicians, donors and patrons. I have enjoyed working with her this year in this interim capacity and look forward to a wonderful year as the CSO celebrates its 75th Anniversary.”
“It is such a privilege to work for such a dedicated group of musicians and volunteers,” said Ms. Sasse. “The CSO is a wonderful community treasure, and I am honored to be a part of its future.”
Ms. Sasse holds degrees in music and arts administration from Centre College and Indiana University. She served as executive director of Allied Arts for 15 years and as vice president for development at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation for five years prior to joining the CSO.
She is a former member of the boards of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Choral Arts and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and is a member of Rotary. In 2000 she was honored as Arts Administrator of the Year by the Kennedy Center and Arts Services, Inc.