JALC Announces New Executive Director

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) announced last Monday the appointment of Katherine Brown as executive director, succeeding Derek Gordon, who was promoted to president last month upon the retirement of former president Hughlyn Fierce.

In her previous position as vice president for development, Brown directed the organization’s fundraising and oversaw the $131 million capital campaign, which made possible the design and creation of the JALC’s new home at Rose Hall. As executive director, Brown will directly supervise the functions of fundraising, marketing and public relations and share management of other administrative functions, including the operations of Rose Hall, with Gordon.

“I am extremely pleased that Kathy will be assuming these new responsibilities and look forward to our working together on the many opportunities and challenges ahead,” Gordon said in a press release. Lisa Schiff, chairman of the board, added, “Kathy’s deep understanding of the organization’s goals and operations along with her strong management abilities will be tremendous assets as Jazz at Lincoln Center moves into the next phase of its development.”

Before arriving at JALC, Brown held senior fundraising positions at the New York Public Library (1993-1997) and New York City Ballet (1988-1993). Prior to her work in New York, she worked at the National Endowment for the Arts. Brown received a BA in music from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and as a trained soprano, she has performed with various ensembles in the New York City and Washington, D.C. areas.

Originally Published March 7, 2005