CEO Mark Cantrell Accepts Position at Florida Orchestra

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra CEO to leave Wisconsin, accepts position at The Florida Orchestra

MADISON, WI Dec. 19, 2018 – Mark Cantrell, CEO of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) has announced his resignation effective February 2019. Cantrell will assume the duties of President & CEO of The Florida Orchestra in the Tampa Bay area in mid-February. Alan Fish, WCO Board Chair will serve as interim CEO.

Since joining the orchestra in September 2013, Cantrell has increased revenue by 60%, eliminated the structural deficit, and grew Concerts on the Square® to record attendance. Brand recognition, particularly for COTS has increased, and the WCO’s indoor Masterworks series has seen a significantly younger demographic under his tenure.

“Madison has been a wonderful place. My family is very appreciative of the warm welcome we received five and a half years ago and it has been a great place to raise a family. It was a very hard decision to leave and we will always hold Madison dear to our hearts” said Cantrell.

“The Board is thankful for Mark’s leadership, the organization is strong and poised for growth in the coming years”, said Alan Fish, Chair of the WCO Board of Directors. “We expect the search for a new CEO to take between 4-6 months,” said Fish. He continues, “Through the efforts of Mark and the staff at the WCO, we have tremendous momentum going forward. We expect to have a smooth transition in the interim.”

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s indoor and outdoor seasons have been set through 2020. Music director Andrew Sewell is finalizing his contract with the WCO and will be at the baton for Masterworks and Concerts on the Square®. “Mark and I have shared a tremendous personal and professional relationship over the last five years. His leadership and experience have brought meaningful change to the organization. He will be sorely missed, and I wish him and his family every success in Florida.”