THUNDER BAY – The executive director of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is leaving to pursue other interests.
Gerald McEachern, who helped the orchestra cut its deficit from $400,000 to $200,000, declined an offer to extend his stay by another two years.
His final day on the job will be June 30.
"While I appreciate the offer, it's time for me to focus on personal projects. I'd originally only planned to do the job for two years, and have stayed for three. So it's been a good run, and I've achieved most of what I set out to do,” he said in a release issued by TBSO.
McEachern said he's proud of what he's been able to accomplish since first accepting the job at TBSO.
We've reconfigured staff roles, expanded and modernized the offices, reconfigured our library, renewed the TBSO brand and created a new visual identity, restructured our season programming adding new concerts like the Nordic concert, Women's concert and the Noondaagotoon Indigenous concert,” he said.
“We successfully renegotiated the union agreement with our musicians. We've increased ticket sales and donation revenues as well as increased income from grants and foundations. We've grown our education program, reaching about 10,000 students a year, and as they say in advertising, much, much more. So it's been an exciting time."
TBSO president Lina Penner said McEachern was the ideal fit for the executive director position.
"The TBSO is more than an orchestra, it's a gift to the city and the region, and from the beginning of his time with us Gerald recognized that. He's helped us create a new vision for the Symphony, and has guided us through an important transition. We've been extremely fortunate to have him, he'll be missed, and we appreciate everything he's done for us,” she said.
McEachern has been working at home in New Brunswick for the past two months, because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but has been busy helping plan the orchestra's 60th anniversary season.
"I think it's one of the most exciting seasons ever, ending my time here on a high note. These last three years have been a real gift."
