ISO Names Chief Executive Officer

(photo courtesy Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has selected James Johnson as its next chief executive officer. Johnson, who currently serves as CEO of the Omaha Symphony Association in Nebraska, will begin his new role April 30.

Johnson succeeds Gary Ginstling, who left the position last year to become the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra. He will oversee the ISO’s $26 million budget and strategic plan.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce James as the newest member of the ISO family," said Yvonne Shaheen, chair of the ISO Board of Directors. "With his long history of leading successful arts organizations and commitment to the values shared by our musicians, staff, and board, we look forward to embarking on this next chapter in the ISO story."

Johnson has been with the Omaha Symphony for seven years where he negotiated a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the musicians’ union and achieved budget surpluses. He previously spent 10 years as CEO of the New York Pops, during which time he secured the orchestra’s first government grants.

The ISO is the largest arts-related employer in Indiana with 74 full-time musicians and 55 administrative staff members.