When the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s 51st Classical Season opened on October 8 at the Performing Arts Center, Symphony patrons were the first to learn of the news that Atascadero resident Jim Black had been named to the position of executive director.

June McIvor, president of the Board of Directors, made the announcement from the stage before a nearly sold-out opening night concert that went on to earn the orchestra three standing ovations. Black is no stranger to the Symphony organization, having served on the Board of Directors from 2003-2011 and as president during the 2006-2007 season. He succeeds Brian Hermanson, who left the organization last July to return to the East Coast.

“I am thrilled to have Jim as our new executive director,” said McIvor. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Jim’s management and leadership skills, knowledge of our community, and such a long-standing and deep involvement with the Symphony. I am confident he is the right person to be at the helm as the Symphony embarks on its next 50 years!”

Black, and his wife Dr. Liz Vogler, were drawn to the area and to the Symphony by her father, a violinist with the orchestra. They settled in Atascadero in 2003, the same year that Black began his service on the Board of Directors. During his eight-year tenure, Black not only served as president, but also chaired the education and governance committees and served on the finance, executive and Symphony ball committees. With staff, he helped to create and launch the Everyday Etudes music education program, worked to facilitate the merger with the Youth Symphony in 2006 and developed, organized and drafted policy manuals across all activities of the organization. Black is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BA in Economics, and spent a good part of his career working as a strategist and project manager for high tech businesses in both Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. He is a graduate of the SLO Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership San Luis Obispo program and has served as the interim executive director of the Symphony, since July 5.

“I am delighted to be a part of this great organization,” said Black. “I look forward to working with Maestro Nowak, the orchestra and our dedicated staff to continue the work I’ve been doing as a Board member for the past eight years: guiding this outstanding community orchestra in its mission to provide great music, music education opportunities and to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the Central Coast community.”