Wheeling Symphony Orchestra announces that at the end of its 2021-22 season, Bryan Braunlich will step down as Executive Director following a five-year tenure with the WSO. Mr. Braunlich will relocate to Los Angeles to take on the role of Executive Director of the National Association of Movie Theatre Owners Cinema Foundation.
Bryan joined Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as Marketing and Communications Director in 2017 and transitioned into the role of General Manager in 2018. In February of 2021, he became the organization’s Executive Director. During his tenure, Bryan has helped usher in a new branding and marketing plan through the Board of Directors and staff, developed and enhanced new programming and a chamber music series, built new important strategic partnerships with complementary partners, and helped improve and stabilize operations, financial, and organizational processes, among many other accomplishments.
Bryan leaves the WSO in a very strong position for continued growth under the continuing leadership of Maestro John Devlin. “I will be forever grateful to Bryan for his exceptional partnership over the past three years. He leaves the WSO on solid footing as we enter into an incredible 2022-23 season. I know that everyone at WSO joins me in wishing Bryan the very best for his next chapter,” says Music Director John Devlin.
Roanne Burech, President of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors, commented on Braunlich’s departure: “Together with Maestro Devlin, Bryan kept the WSO committed to its mission and artistic priorities and served our staff, musicians, patrons, and community partners during a time of overwhelming uncertainty. This was no easy task. We will build on Bryan’s successes as we begin our next chapter with new leadership alongside Maestro Devlin. On behalf of our Board, I thank Bryan and wish him all good things in LA.”
Says Braunlich of his impending move: “I want to thank the WSO Board of Directors for the opportunity to have served as its Executive Director. I am saddened to leave the WSO during this electrifying and exciting time for the orchestra. I am confident that the WSO team will continue to foster Maestro Devlin’s artistic vision and grow the community’s support of Wheeling’s greatest cultural treasure. Looking ahead, I’m excited about this amazing opportunity for me as The Cinema Foundation’s inaugural Executive Director serving its mission of advancing the moviegoing experience.”
WSO’s Board of Directors has established a search committee to begin the work of selecting the organization’s next Executive Director.
ABOUT THE WHEELING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra
Your Community, in Concert
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) celebrates more than 90 years of providing outstanding orchestral music to the residents of Wheeling, WV and the Greater Ohio Valley. From subscription concerts and holiday events to chamber music performances and educational programs, the WSO provides world-class musical experiences under the baton of Music Director John Devlin. Wheeling continues to be the smallest city in the United States to support a symphony of this size and caliber.
