For Immediate Release: December 12, 2016 (San Antonio, Texas)

The San Antonio Symphony Names New Vice Presidents in Key Departments

Focusing on the future and strengthening the team, the San Antonio Symphony names new Vice Presidents in key departments.

The San Antonio Symphony announces that Former Vice President of Concert Production, Karina Bharne has been named Vice President and General Manager. Bharne joined the San Antonio Symphony in October of 2011 serving as Director of Orchestra Personnel, and shares dedication to the future success of the Symphony.
In addition to this exciting move for Bharne, the San Antonio Symphony operations team has strengthened its foundation and reinforced planned development with the addition of a new VP of Marketing and Public Relations, as well as promoting additional dedicated staffers to roles where their experience, passion, and drive will continue to shine.

Jessica M. Anderson has joined the organization as the new Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations where she will oversee marketing development and strategy, including promotions and advertising. After working with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Anderson is thrilled to be part of the growing performing arts scene in San Antonio and is looking forward to being part of the continued progressive shaping of the SA symphony, intending to reach out to new audiences while engaging and sustaining current loyal patrons.

Anderson shares that her interest in marketing the performing arts grew and flourished during her time with the DSO “. . . three years after working there, I was inspired to continue my education, to advance my understanding and capabilities of promoting this performing art. I went on to earn my MA in Arts Policy and Management from Birkbeck, University of London, which was a period of great personal growth and achievement.”

And after serving as the Director of Grants for the San Antonio Symphony for the past 4 years and managing a portfolio of over 80 grants ranging from government to private and corporate foundation sources, Annette Paulin has been named Vice President of Development. In March 2016, she served as the Interim Direction of Development, working with a team to see the most successful fundraising season in the history of the Symphony. Now as the Vice President of Development Paulin notes “I will continue to channel my passion for arts into cultivating relationships between the Symphony and the San Antonio community. I believe that the power of engaging people in the arts cultivates vibrant and cohesive communities.” Paulin’s role allows her to continue to share the story of the Symphony’s contribution to the cultural fabric, economic development, and music education environment in the San Antonio region.

Symphony President David Gross said of the new hires “the San Antonio Symphony is fortunate to have these three extremely gifted professionals in leadership roles. I am confident that Karina, Jessica, and Annette will contribute greatly to the Symphony’s future success. ”

Karina Bharne joined the San Antonio Symphony in October of 2011. Originally serving as Director of Orchestra Personnel, Karina was promoted to Vice President of Concert Production in 2014 and is excited to start her new role as Vice President and General Manager this fall. Prior to working at the San Antonio Symphony, Karina Bharne served in various roles at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, most recently as their Assistant Personnel Manager, as well as working at the Aspen Music Festival and School as their Festival Orchestra Manager and Manager of Orchestral Operations. A lifelong musician, Karina attended Carnegie Mellon University receiving her B.F.A. in Trombone Performance (studying with Rebecca Cherian, Co-Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) and her M. A. in Arts Management. In her free time Karina is an active volunteer with S.N.I.P.S.A., S.A. Feral Cat Association, and S.C.A.T.

Jessica Anderson is a native of Wichita, Kansas. She attended Kansas State University where she received a BS in Journalism and Mass Communications and graduated Summa Cum Laude. After graduating Jessica started her career as media buyer for Mediaedge:cia (now MEC Global) in Dallas, TX. Upon completing her MA and returning to Texas in 2012, Anderson was hired by the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, TX, to manage the membership and annual giving programs. In 2015 she was promoted to the position of Director of Membership and Visitor Services, where she oversaw a team that accomplished the highest membership rate in the McNay’s history.

Annette Paulin holds over 20 years’ experience in management, development, and consultation work with arts and environmental organizations. Paulin holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Her continuing education includes coursework in applied music at the Texas State University in San Marcos. Most recently, she completed the Master’s Certification Program in Non-profit Leadership and Administration at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Upon arriving to Texas in 2002, she founded Live Oak Initiative, providing consultation to arts and environmental non-profits in organizational development and strategic planning, program assessments, large event coordination, marketing, grant writing and fundraising. She has served in program management and coordination capacities in organizations of varying sizes, working in state, national, and international projects and local community initiatives. For 10 years, Paulin owned and operated a music school in downtown San Marcos.

About the San Antonio Symphony

The San Antonio Symphony is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission to inspire and enrich our community by vigorously influencing the artistic fabric of San Antonio through excellent symphonic performance, education and service. The San Antonio Symphony, with more than 70 professional musicians, serves over 130,000 people per year including over 40,000 students.
For more information about the Symphony visit www.sasymphony.org or connect with us on Facebook (San Antonio Symphony), Twitter (@Sasym), Instagram (@Sasymphony) or Snapchat (sasymph).