Orchestra gets in tune for future

With a high note of optimism in the air, the Glendale Symphony Orchestra Assn. board on Wednesday installed Patrick Wade as its president and voted unanimously to hire Cristy Jennings as its new executive consultant.

During a meeting at Notte Luna restaurant, Wade outlined several of his plans for fundraising as well as getting the symphony back performing onstage again.

“We’re off to a good start with a new executive consultant, and we have two prospective clients who wish to employ the symphony and we have a small fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, the Women’s Committee Brunch,” Wade said.

“Depending on what our clients want to do, we will do some performing in August with a venue and type of presentation to be determined.”

Wade said the work won’t be easy, and he needs the board and other volunteers to help get things done, such as working more with the Women’s Committee.

In introducing Jennings to the Board of Directors, Wade said she brings a significant resume, which includes a background in writing grants, marketing and promotions.

“This is what she does for a living and she is willing to work with us,” Wade said.

Jennings has been offered a three-month contract to help with marketing and promotions as well as getting the symphony performing again, Wade said.

“After three months, we’ll sit down and look at each other eye-to-eye and decide if it’s working out,” he said.

Jennings gave the board an overview of her background in working for nonprofits in Houston.

Her husband’s job transfer brought the couple in August to Burbank, and she has been hired as a consultant for board development and strategic planning with Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra.

“I have 20 years of nonprofit experience, and I think I’ve had every job in nonprofit organizations,” she said.

When she came on as an executive director at Fort Bend County Women’s Center in Sugarland, Texas, the organization was about to conclude its operation, Jennings said.

But within 4 1/2 years, its operating budget had increased to $3.5 million.

Jennings said she is looking forward to working with the Glendale Symphony.

“I want to work with the board and volunteers to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance current programs and future endeavors,” she said.

Board members said they are optimistic about the changes.

Board member Mary Ann Plumley said she is impressed with Wade’s business sense.

“I’m pleased not only that he is a retired physician but that he has his own business and is an astute businessman,” Plumley said. “He’s committed and is dedicated to giving the time we need.”

Plumley served on the interview committee for Jennings and was also impressed by her, she said.

“What stands out in her resume is she worked with nonprofit musical organizations and she’s been very successful in her work,” Plumley said.

Olivia Tsui, music director and conductor, said she just met Jennings, but trusts the recommendation by Wade and Plumley.

“They interviewed her and they told me how she is the best person for this job and I totally trust their judgment,” Tsui said.

Tsui is also pleased that Wade is taking the reigns as president, she said.

“I’ve known Dr. Wade about two years now and his passion about music, his understanding and appreciation of professional musicians and his experiences on vast business levels,” she said, “makes him the perfect person for this very challenging position.”