Boards & Staff

Carolyn Bess

Executive Director, Waco Symphony Association, Inc.

The Waco Symphony’s season invites audiences to experience the excitement, emotion, and connection that only live symphonic music can create.

This season brings together internationally acclaimed guest artists, iconic orchestral works, blockbuster cinematic favorites, and treasured holiday traditions in a lineup designed to inspire audiences of all ages. From the excitement of the film Top Gun: Maverick in Concert to the monumental brilliance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, every performance offers opportunities to create lasting memories together.

We are especially excited to continue expanding the ways the WSO connects with our community. Through programs like Healing Harmony, WSO musicians bring music directly into hospitals, counseling settings, memory care centers, and other community spaces where comfort, joy, and human connection matter deeply.

Whether you are a long-time subscriber or attending for the very first time, we invite you to join us for a season where joy resonates throughout every performance.

Officers

Liz Stansbury, President
Rhett Dawson, President-elect
Valda Rispoli, Secretary
Robin Baird, Vice-President, Administration and Union Relations
Rex Davis, Vice-President, Ambassadors
Joaquin Lugo, Co-Vice-President, Artistic Advisory
James Pitts, Co-Vice-President, Artistic Advisory
Katie Kaga, Vice-President, Audience Development
Andrea Kosar, Co-Vice-President, Concerto Circle
John Prothro, Co-Vice-President, Concerto Circle
Jocelyn Williams, Vice-President, Education and Outreach
Nancy Livingston, Vice-President, Finance
Harry Harelik, President, Foundation
Stephen H. Corwin, Vice-President, Foundation
Liz Arend, Co-Vice-President, Hospitality and Stewardship
Billy Garrett, Co-Vice-President, Hospitality and Stewardship
Don Lewis, Vice-President, Logistics
Ann Harder, Vice-President, Marketing
Dianne Sawyer, Vice-President, Nominating
Mike Raymond, Vice-President, Strategic Planning
Debra Burleson, Co-Vice-President, Special Projects
Alice Starr, Co-Vice-President, Special Projects
Kim Klimt, Vice-President, Sponsorship
Endyia Sterns, President, Waco Symphony Council

Executive Committee

The Officers and the following:

Suzanne Alexander
Gary Coley

Board of Directors

The Executive Committee and the following:

Neyra Bazaldua
Cristina Cleveland
Gary Coley
Diane Deaver
Bryan Fonville
Marsha Green
Suzanne Hack
Carliss Hyde
Ryan Luna
Jason Milam
Joye Petr
Phil Reeder
Alfred Solano
Glenda Strum
Charles Stern
Veronicka Thompson
Paul Yanowitch

Advisory Directors

Lawrence Loh, Music Director and Conductor
Carolyn Kannwischer Bess, Executive Director, Waco Symphony Association, Inc.
Jennifer Richie, President-elect, Waco Symphony Council
Liz Arend, Past President, Waco Symphony Council
Harry Harelik, President, Waco Symphony Foundation