The Richmond Symphony has named Lacey Huszcza as the organization’s new Executive Director. Her turn at the helm begins on Dec.1.

Huszcza will succeed David Fisk, who was tapped to head the Charlotte (North Carolina) Symphony earlier this year.

“The search committee selected Lacey Huszcza unanimously from an outstanding field of candidates to become the Richmond Symphony’s next Executive Director. George L. Mahoney, Chairman of the Board of the Richmond Symphony, stated in the press release.  “Lacey brings with her an energetic commitment to digital innovation and an unusually rich and varied range of experience in arts management.  She was named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals in 2018 and has been recognized for her efforts to expand the diversity of American orchestras.  Lacey is a terrific communicator and has an exceptional track record in patron development, musical education, and community engagement, making her the perfect successor to David Fisk.  The Board and I also would like to thank Michele Walter, our Interim Executive Director, for her amazing dedication to the Richmond Symphony during our search process.”

Huszcza joins the Richmond Symphony after a two-year stint at the Las Vegas Philharmonic, where she served as Executive Director. Prior to working in Las Vegas, Huszcza grew her career at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for most of the prior decade where she rose to Associate Executive Director. She also served on the Board of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras for over five years, holding positions as its Vice President and Secretary.

Huszcza, who holds an MBA with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from Pepperdine University, will preside over the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia with 200,000 members of the community enjoying live concerts and radio broadcasts annually. Huszcza’s entrepreneurial spirit will help guide the Symphony through a tumultuous period bookended by a crippling pandemic and societal change. In the press release, Las Vegas Philharmonic Board Chair Jeri Crawford praised Huszcza for her can-do leadership style. “Her contagious enthusiasm and passion for symphonic music combined with her years of expertise fostered community and confidence for the organization to strive for artistic excellence while strengthening our audience engagement and education programs. And it goes without saying that she played a vital role in re-imagining how we deliver on our commitment to music, culture, and education during the pandemic.”