by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Six weeks into the search for a new full-time executive director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, numerous resumes from far and wide have found their way to the organization. Even with all the responses there is still work to be done and there isn’t a consensus favorite in the bunch, said board of directors member Frederick Schantz.
“It’s been a very interesting process,” said Schantz. “We’ve received many credible resumes and gotten several candidates recommended by people I respect.”
Schantz is chair of the 12-person search committee charged with finding the new executive director. He said the group has received around a dozen resumes from areas such as Oregon, California, Michigan, North Carolina and Canada – all from word of mouth and an advertisement in an industry media outlet.
To date, the committee has interviewed seven candidates, including two females, via conference call. Two more are scheduled over the next week, said Schantz.
“We think we’ve gotten probably the best prospects out there,” said Interim Executive Director Jim Van Vleck.
Even with their current pool of candidates, the committee isn’t simply taking the first candidate who fits the bill, either. During the first committee meeting, the group laid the groundwork for the process and discussed the specific qualities they were looking for in someone to replace Alan Hopper, who left a couple of months ago.
One characteristic kept coming up in the committee’s conversations.
“Leadership,” said Jim Van Vleck. “It’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it.”
Van Vleck said the committee doesn’t necessarily need to have an industry name or background to be a successful hire. Rather, they are looking for someone who shows the capability to manage and lead JSO through change.
“We are optimistic about the process and we’re looking for someone who can grab the reins and go,” he added.
Schantz also noted the necessity for a strong leader, but added the ability to market and develop the symphony as well as fortifying community bonds as other qualities he is looking for in a candidate.
“We’re looking for somebody different,” said Schantz. “Somebody who has the personality that can lead both the board and staff, can lead all the different facets of the organization, be out and about and involved throughout the community.”
Van Vleck said there are a few candidates of the current crop who have “great potential” and could come to town for an in-person interview, but said the committee will continue to do its due diligence – even if it means no one is selected in the short term.
If the first wave of candidates lead to nothing, he said, “Plan B” would be to seek outside help through a search firm.
The target date to have a new executive director set and acclimated to Jacksonville is Sept. 1, said Schantz. He admitted it seems ambitious, but said he is confident that the date can be met, especially with the interest the position has generated thus far.
“There’s a lot to like about it,” he said. “The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is a large orchestra, has a wonderful reputation around the country, has a hall built just for performances and Florida is economically attractive.”