HAMPTON ROADS, VA [July 1, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Shannon Kelly as its new President & CEO. Kelly has been the VSO’s Vice President of Development since January 2023. She succeeds Dr. Andrea F. Warren, who has led the organization since December 2022 and retired at the end of June.
“It is a tremendous privilege to lead the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as its next President & CEO,” says Kelly. “The VSO is artistically outstanding, and its exceptional commitment to creating connections and building community through the power of music deeply resonates with me. I look forward to working alongside the VSO’s talented musicians, staff, board, and supporters to carry this extraordinary legacy forward and increase our impact across Hampton Roads and beyond.”
Kelly has dedicated her career to building thriving communities through the performing arts and brings over 20 years of combined experience in arts leadership and public-private partnerships to her role. During her time as Vice President of Development, she rebuilt the VSO’s network of philanthropic support after the pandemic, achieving 20 percent annual growth in donations, including individual, corporate, government, and foundation support.
Prior to joining the Virginia Symphony, Kelly served on the senior leadership team of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA, where she oversaw all government relations for the Foundation. In this role, she doubled public support for the Foundation’s education programs and helped manage the Foundation’s public-private partnership with the National Park Service.
“Shannon Kelly is an accomplished leader with deep expertise in performing arts, advocacy, and education, as well as a proven track record of securing the necessary funding to bring world-class classical music to Virginia. Her visionary leadership and passion for music will ensure a vibrant future for the VSO and the entire Hampton Roads community,” says new VSO Board Chairman Gordon Robertson.
Ms. Kelly’s prior experience includes roles in policy and arts advocacy, including at the National Association for Music Education. Kelly was also a Presidential Management Fellow with the Federal government, serving as a budget and finance specialist for a range of federal public health programs.
A lifelong Virginian, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory with a concentration in music-in-education, and a master’s degree in public policy from American University with a concentration in public budgeting and finance. She is also a former studio voice instructor and professional singer. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, a Marine veteran, and their daughter.
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, programming, and leadership. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians work to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Celebrating his fifth year, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair, continues to expand the VSO’s vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
