The Louisville Orchestra announced today (March 12, 2025) that Graham Parker stepped down as Chief Executive, effective as of February 28, 2025. Parker joined the organization in 2021 as a consultant before assuming the CEO role in May 2022.
Parker’s tenure saw multiple strategic initiatives designed to expand the Orchestra’s reach, strengthen its internal operations, and prepare for long-term sustainability. “I have been inspired by the Louisville Orchestra and the work we have done together. It is some of the proudest of my life and career,” says Parker in a press release. “The Louisville Orchestra is in the strongest position in its lifetime to find another lead executive to chart the next chapter.” Parker will continue to support the Orchestra in a consulting capacity.
Nathaniel Koch—a leader with the Louisville Orchestra for 18 years—will serve as Interim Executive Director. “Nathaniel’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the organization make him ideally suited to guide the Louisville Orchestra through this transition,” says Louisville Orchestra Board of Directors Chair Andrew Fleischman, in a press release. “We are confident in his ability to maintain continuity as we embark on the search for our next permanent leader.”
The Board is forming a search committee to identify and hire a new Chief Executive. The Orchestra’s leadership is committed to a thorough and thoughtful process to find the right individual.
Public Release was provided by Randy Blevins, Think Tank Marketing.
This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2025.