The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Haines as the new Executive Director.
Haines brings more than three decades of experience in arts leadership, fundraising, marketing, and strategic growth to the role. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Symphony of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he has led a sweeping organizational transformation that increased ticket sales and donor engagement. His prior leadership roles include President and CEO of the Philly Pops, Vice President of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Chief Executive Officer of The Young Americans, an international performing arts organization and college.
“We are thrilled that an executive with Steven’s breadth of experience and passion for orchestral music will be joining our South Bend Symphony,” says President of the Board of Directors Susan Ohmer.
The appointment was unanimously approved by both the Search Committee and the Executive Committee. Haines will officially begin his new role on Monday, August 4.
Music Director Alastair Willis enthusiastically endorsed the appointment. “Steven brings a passion for music and community that aligns perfectly with our mission,” Willis said. “I look forward to working closely with him as we embark on an exciting new chapter for the South Bend Symphony.”
Steven Haines shares, “I am honored to join the South Bend Symphony Orchestra as Executive Director, and excited about my partnership with Maestro Alastair Willis and new Board President Susan Ohmer to broaden and deepen the Symphony’s role as a vibrant, accessible cultural cornerstone. A symphony orchestra belongs to its community — it inspires connection and should be a place where everyone feels welcome. I am thrilled to call the Michiana region my new home and to be part of such a beautiful and welcoming community.”
Throughout his career, Haines has negotiated national touring agreements, launched recording projects, and produced high-profile events, including national broadcasts and international galas. A skilled fundraiser and communicator, he has consistently exceeded revenue goals and built enduring relationships with donors, audiences, and civic partners.
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For questions or media appearances, please contact Sarah Perschbacher, sperschbacher@southbendsymphony.org or 574-230-4875.
About Steven Haines
Steven Haines has over 30 years of experience in non-profit and performing arts management. Most recently, Haines was Executive Director of Symphony of the Americas based in Florida, and President & CEO of Tucson Symphony Orchestra, one of the largest arts organizations in the State of Arizona. Prior to his move to Arizona, Haines was the Chief Executive Office of The Young Americans, a near 60-year-old nonprofit performing arts college and international touring organization. Prior to working with The Young Americans, he joined the iconic San Francisco Zoo as its Vice President of Strategic Growth & Marketing where he was responsible for all areas of earned revenues. From 2006 until his joining San Francisco Zoo in May of 2016, Haines was Executive Director of San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival, the country’s oldest nonprofit music festival and presenter of admission-free concerts and outreach programs. Prior to joining the Festival, Haines was the Vice President for POPS of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and President & CEO of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for nearly eight years prior to that. Haines’ early career began in Florida, working with The Florida Pops, Palm Beach Pops, and Florida Philharmonic Orchestra.
About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony inspires the community with the transformative power of orchestral music in all its forms by producing 20 mainstage programs, serving more than 29,000 attendees annually. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is committed to diverse sound and a robust arts community in Michiana that entertains and connects people to music.
In addition to being recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other state and local arts funding organizations, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which recognizes the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
To view the 2025-26 Season schedule, visit www.southbendsymphony.org