James Nelson Named Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra Board President

June 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Milwaukee, WI –The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra (MCO) board has voted to accept James Nelson, deputy business editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, as its president.  At its annual meeting on June 24, 2009, former president David Carter concluded his three-year tenure as president and Nelson, MCO vice president, had agreed to take on the role, effective immediately. Carter will remain on the board as immediate past president with full voting rights.

“Dave Carter has served with distinction as board president, leading the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra into an exciting new era. The MCO and the arts community owe him a debt of gratitude, and I’m glad he will remain on the board,” said Nelson. “I’ll do my best to continue building upon the legacy of this fine organization, and present top quality programs and performances to Greater Milwaukee area audiences.”  

Nelson has been on the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra board since 1999. During that tumultuous period he has seen the departure of artistic founder, Steven Colburn; a series of interim conductors; the MCO going dark in 2006; and the start of the rebuilding process in 2007, beginning with the hiring of music director, Richard Hynson.

“Under Jim Nelson’s leadership, the board will continue to work hard behind the scenes, adding members; designing a strong, pragmatic, and accountable committee structure; and accomplishing the structural objectives as outlined in the organization’s strategic plan,” said Hynson. “The officers elected for the 2009-10 season are confidently poised to take the MCO to the next level despite the challenging economic times in which we find ourselves.”

New MCO officer positions include Isaac Roang, attorney, Quarles & Brady LLP, vice president and governance committee chair. Kevin Hanson, Ashton Group, continues as treasurer and will chair the finance and personnel committees. Deborah Spanic, attorney, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, SC, is the new secretary. Christine Hansen, attorney, Harley Davidson, assumes the chair of the fund development committee. Frank Wintersberger, CEO, Venture Marketing, will chair the program and marketing committee. Eido Walny, attorney, Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP, continues as a board member.

The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, the only professional chamber orchestra in the Greater Milwaukee Area, has been performing the highest quality chamber music for over 30 years. The MCO provides a unique experience for audience members as well as important performance opportunities to professional musicians in the areas, many of whom play with the Milwaukee Symphony and are in demand around the world. For more information, visit http://www.theMCO.org

Contact Jim LaBelle, 262-901-5325

# # #

About The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra: The only professional chamber orchestra in the Greater Milwaukee Area, provides a unique, intimate musical experience for its audience. Director Richard Hynson continues a 30 year tradition. www.theMCO.org