The CEO and President of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is resigning, effective at the end of the year. The announcement was made Wednesday.
J.L. Nave III has been with the Philharmonic for more than 8 years. When he arrived, the orchestra was in a deficit. Although large gifts have temporarily put it in the black, overall the organization has continued to operate at a significant deficit.
Still, throughout Nave’s tenure, the orchestra has seen increased sponsorship and a 30 percent increase in the number of subscribers for their Masterworks series .
The Chair of the Philharmonic’s Board of Directors, Carol Lindquist, said in a statement that "through his impressive business credentials and his role in the national orchestra community, J.L. helped us avoid the disruption of services experienced by other orchestras that are facing challenges similar to those we are facing."
Just weeks away from the start of its new season, Nave said he’s proud of what the orchestra has accomplished during his tenure.
“As we begin our 71st Season, it’s clear that The Phil needs to focus even more on raising money,” says Nave. “Now that momentum is building again, it feels like I have accomplished what I was brought here to do and it’s time for new leadership to guide the new work of The Phil.”
The Board will begin a national search for Nave’s successor immediately.