Development PA

Shelley Cohen Hershey

Development Director
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Years in current position: 4
Years in the field: 4

Majors:
B.A. Art

Career Path:
Sales and Marketing

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Multi-tasking has taken on a whole new meaning.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I wanted to work in the arts.

Would you do anything differently?
Beginning again, I would get a certification to teach.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Do this because you really want to make a difference, not to make a huge amount of money

Any other advice?
Look at the orchestra’s long-range plan

Ralia Vardaxis

Vice President of Development and Community Relations
Reading Symphony Orchestra
Reading, Pennsylvania
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Time in current position: 5 months
Time in the field: 5 months

Majors:
English Communications, German

Additional Training:
Indiana School of Philanthropy, Principles and Techniques of Fundraising

Career Path:
Wachovia Bank: Teller, International Department Administrative Assistant, Product Manager, Geographic Marketing Manager, Community Relations Manager

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The amount of community outreach involved in the orchestra’s work.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
The new maestro being onboard, as well as optimism about local community leadership.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Familiarize yourself with the symphony audience and local community leaders. Become very familiar with your board of directors.

Any other advice for working on the development side?
A financial background would help significantly.