To the CSO family,

I am delighted to tell you that we have found Mike Warner's successor. Michelle Hamilton has agreed to come on board July 1 as vice president for development.

Michelle brings both local and orchestral experience in fund raising to the CSO.  Since 2009, she has been Chief Advancement Officer for Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte where she has been a critical part of the senior management team.  While there she provided leadership in volunteer engagement, electronic engagement and solicitation strategies, marketing and introduced enhanced segmentation and stewardship strategies.

Previously, she has served as Director of Development at the Arts Council of Fort Worth, Director of Development at the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra where she was instrumental in securing the orchestra's first major concert series title sponsorship and participated in the launch of an $8 million endowment campaign. Michelle was also Director of Volunteer Services at the Houston Symphony and Director of PR and Special Events at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southeast Texas Chapter.

Personally, Michelle is engaging, high energy and pushes for results. While she was content at Crisis Assistance, the arts - and especially the orchestra world - is her first love.  She has served as an advisor to the Symphony Guild of Charlotte in recent years.

Michelle comes highly recommended by leading fundraising executives in the city. More than one said to me hiring her would be "a home run."  

I could not be more thrilled that she has agreed to join us.

Please contact me with any questions or comments. The press release is attached.

Bob

Robert Stickler

President and Executive Director

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra