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.

Executive Committee Officers

Rhett Dawson, President
Debra Burleson, President-elect
Jason Milam, Secretary
Robin Baird, Vice-President, Administration and Union Relations
Alice Starr, Vice-President, Business and Audience Development
Nancy Livingston, Vice-President, Finance
Liz Stansbury, Vice-President, Nominating
Jocelyn Williams, Vice-President, Programming and Partnerships
Jennifer Richie, President, Waco Symphony Council

Officers

Joe Calao, Co-Vice-President, Ambassadors
Rex Davis, Co-Vice-President, Ambassadors
Joaquin Lugo, Co-Vice-President, Artistic Advisory
James Pitts, Co-Vice-President, Artistic Advisory
Katie Kaga, Co-Vice-President, Audience Development
Veronicka Thompson, Co-Vice President, Audience Development
John Prothro, Vice-President, Concerto Circle
Harry Harelik, President, Foundation (through 12/2026)
Suzanne Alexander, President-elect, Foundation
Liz Arend, Co-Vice-President, Hospitality and Stewardship
Billy Garrett, Co-Vice-President, Hospitality and Stewardship
Phil Reeder, Vice-President, Logistics
Ann Harder, Vice-President, Marketing
Neyra Bazaldua, Co-Vice President, Special Projects
Diane Deaver, Co-Vice-President, Special Projects
Mike Raymond, Vice-President, Strategic Planning

Board of Directors

Cristina Cleveland
Melinda Coogan
Bryan Fonville
Marsha K. Green
Suzanne Hack
Carliss Hyde
Kelsie Johnson
Ryan Johnson
Kim Klimt
Ryan Luna
Duke Nelson
Kris Olson
Joye Petr
Jim Pyle III
Cliff Rusek
Alfred Solano
Kennisha Thompson
Paul Yanowitch

Advisory Directors

Lawrence Loh, Music Director and Conductor
Carolyn Kannwischer Bess, Executive Director, Waco Symphony Association, Inc.
Bryon Barnhill, President-elect, Waco Symphony Council
Endyia Sterns, Past President, Waco Symphony Council