GREENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES DR. BRIAN MEIXNER AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO

The Board of Directors of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO) today announced the appointment of Dr. Brian Meixner as the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027. Dr. Meixner—an acclaimed arts leader, educator, conductor, and founder of the North Carolina Brass Band—succeeds Lisa Crawford, who is stepping down after leading the Symphony through more than twenty-seven years of unprecedented growth and artistic achievement.

Dr. Meixner brings a unique dual background in executive business management and high-level music administration. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance alongside a Bachelor of Business in Organizational Management, Dr. Meixner has served as Director of Instrumental Studies and Director of Bands & Orchestras at High Point University, where he received the 2023 Extraordinary Leadership Award. Over his fourteen-year tenure in the Piedmont Triad, he has built a reputation for robust financial stewardship, innovative audience expansion, and deep community engagement.

“Serving as President and CEO of this extraordinary organization since September 1999 has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” said Lisa Crawford. “Together, we have brought world-renowned artists to our stages, established resilient educational programs, and moved into our home at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Christopher Dragon, our orchestra is financially sound, artistically vibrant, and exceptionally well-positioned for a bright future.”

“I am thrilled to join the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and build on the great work already happening here.” said Dr. Brian Meixner. “I look forward to working alongside our musicians, staff, board, and supporters to strengthen the Symphony’s connections throughout our community and share the excitement of live music with an even wider audience.”

Honoring Legacy, Inspiring the Future: End-of-Year Giving Campaign

To mark this momentous transition, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra invites subscribers, patrons, and community members to join in an End-of-Year Giving Campaign.

Your year-end contribution serves a dual purpose during this historic transition:

Honor Lisa Crawford’s 27-Year Legacy: Celebrate Lisa’s historic leadership, which transformed the Symphony into one of North Carolina’s premier cultural institutions and expanded vital educational programs across the Piedmont Triad.

Welcome Dr. Brian Meixner. Provide a strong financial foundation as Dr. Meixner takes the helm on January 1, ensuring the orchestra continues its tradition of artistic excellence, dynamic educational programs, and community outreach.

Supporters can make their tax-deductible end-of-year gifts online at GreensboroSymphony.org or by contacting the Symphony office prior to December 31.

About Dr. Brian Meixner

Dr. Brian Meixner is an executive arts leader, conductor, and educator with a passion for connecting people through music.  As Founder, Executive Director, and Music Director of the North Carolina Brass Band, he built the professional nonprofit into a nationally recognized ensemble while driving substantial growth in donor revenue, grant funding, and audience subscriptions. At High Point University, he oversaw multi-ensemble operations, budget management, and student recruitment. Meixner holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance and a Bachelor of Business degree in Organizational Management. A longtime Triad resident, he is committed to strengthening Greensboro’s cultural life and expanding opportunities for people to experience live music.

About the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra

Founded to enrich the cultural life of the region, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks, Pops, chamber, and educational concerts annually at premier venues, including the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts and the Carolina Theatre.