Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Names Dale Hedding Vice President for Development
Hedding Will Take on the Role Effective December 2, 2019
Dale Hedding was recently named the Vice President for Development for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. Announced by CSOA President Jeff Alexander, Hedding’s new role will be officially effective on December 2, 2019.
As Vice President for Development, Hedding will serve as a member of the CSOA senior management team and lead a department that is primarily responsible for stewarding CSOA donors and volunteers, producing annual fundraising events (such as the CSOA’s Symphony Ball and Corporate Night), and securing contributed revenue.
Alexander, president of the CSOA, said Hedding’s expertise will be a welcomed addition to the association.
“Dale is a seasoned arts professional with an extraordinary range of fundraising experiences within the orchestra world, as well as the wider non-profit sector,” Alexander said.
“His expertise along with a clear passion for classical music and dedication to connecting donors to the activities of a great Orchestra will serve the CSOA well and we look forward to welcoming him to Chicago.”
Hedding, who comes to the CSOA with a quarter of a century of leadership experience and fundraising accomplishments for non-profit arts, as well as culture and education institutions, said he was proud to become the newest member of the CSOA team.
“It is an honor and privilege to join an organization that has supported the extraordinary artistic legacy of the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra,” said Hedding.
“The CSO and its legendary musicians were an inspiration to me as a young trombone player studying classical music, and CSO recordings and performances have been a part of my musical life ever since. I look forward to finding new ways to bring its loyal supporters even closer to the activities of the musicians and distinguished music director Riccardo Muti, and to build upon the exceptional financial foundation of the organization to ensure a bright future for the CSO.”
Before he was appointed to the Vice President of Development position, Hedding was the Managing Director for External Affairs and Patron Engagement at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Additionally, Hedding had a 7-year run as the Vice President of Development for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where he led a $15 million annual fund and $65 million endowment campaign.
Hedding has also served in leadership roles in prestigious institutions such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Phoenix Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and more.