John Farina Goes Red!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Cleveland, Ohio -- Red {an Orchestra} is pleased to announce the appointment of John Farina as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment follows a nationwide search by a Board-appointed committee led by Board President Mary K. Holmes. Farina began with Red on June 1, 2007.

Farina comes to Red with a solid background in non-profit management, fundraising and public policy, and has more than 15 years in banking, retail management and sales experience. He has also served on numerous boards and commissions. Last November, he played a key role in the campaign to pass Issue 18, the tobacco levy passed by voters to support arts and culture in Cuyahoga County.

Over the past two and a half years, as Director of Development at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, he managed a development program that raised more than $1 million for the Center's educational and performing arts programming. In addition, Farina expanded the Beck Center's base of individual and corporate donors and fundraising events. Prior to the Beck, Farina was Director of Public Policy for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland for nearly five years.

"Joining Red at this time is a tremendous opportunity. This organization has been providing Clevelanders with innovative and impressive musical experiences and our opportunity for growth is greater than ever before," said John Farina, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. "I believe Red is one of the most exciting arts organizations in Cleveland. This is an orchestra with a rich history that is synonymous with artistic excellence, and a strong, creative vision for the future of classical music. I am looking forward to working with the team at Red to bring our brand of musical experience to Greater Clevelanders and beyond."

"We are extremely pleased to have John Farina join us as our new Chief Executive Officer," said Mary K. Holmes, President of the Board. "The board of directors was impressed with Mr. Farina's deep experience in fundraising, marketing and management, his proven leadership in non-profit organizations, and the passion he brings as an individual to the arts community. We are confident that Red, under Mr. Farina's leadership, will push forward in its pursuit of artistic excellence, and continue to be an energetic force in the Cleveland arts community."

"With his long experience in advocacy and arts administration," added Artistic Director Jonathan Sheffer, "John is poised to take Red to a new level of professionalism. We look forward to working with him as the organization begins to create long term solidity for the future."

Born and raised on Long Island in New York, Farina came to Cleveland in 1991 and now resides in Lakewood. He is a graduate of the Cleveland Bridge Builder's Flagship Program (2002) and a current member of the Board of Directors for SPACES Gallery. In addition, he is an active participant in many area organizations including the Cleveland Film Society and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender Community Center.


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About Red {an Orchestra}

Red {an Orchestra} is classical musicians, artists, and thinkers united in a commitment to their audiences: to REDefine classical music programming, to REDesign the concert experience and REDiscover classical music.

Red was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 2001 by a volunteer group of arts patrons and musicians. Red educates, entertains, and inspires its audiences by presenting a unique, multi-sensory, and memorable music experience.

Red is setting new standards for imaginative musical programming by presenting music in collaboration with other artistic disciplines such as film, visual arts, opera, theater, poetry, and literature. Core to our mission is an intense focus on cultural renewal and revitalization. Red strives to expand our audiences' experiences by melding innovative style with the traditional orchestral experience.

John Farina
Chief Executive Officer
Red {an Orchestra}
3615 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1C
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216.361.1733 - office
216.832.7106 - cell
<mailto:farina@redanorchestra.org>farina@redanorchestra.org
www.redanorchestra.org

[Stan Austin]

Congratulations to John Farina---

John, great new position and here's hopes that you can bring RED to Lakewood for our greater appreciation of music.

Stan Austin

[Jeff Endress]

Without question....Red would pack them into the civic.....

Jeff