By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Wednesday announced the appointment of a new associate executive director. Stephen Baker was named to the newly created position that will oversee marketing operations for the BPO.
Baker comes to Buffalo from the Minnesota Orchestra where he was vice president of marketing. He has an extensive resume and reputation for building audiences and ticket sales with several organizations, including the Houston Orchestra and Carnegie Hall.
But Baker's duties at the BPO will go beyond marketing. Executive Director Dan Hart says the demands on the Orchestra -- and his time -- are growing.
"There are so many big projects on the scope of the BPO, it's such an exciting time," said Hart. "There are so many opportunities, that sometimes I wish I could split myself into two parts, but you just can't do that and there are just so many hours in the day. So, I think Stephen will be someone who can basically try to hand off major projects."
With Baker's help, Hart says he will now be able to focus more of his own time on strengthening the BPO's endowment an other fundraising efforts.