Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Names New President and CEO

Amy Williams to lead the organization after previous president's departure

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has announced that Amy Williams will be its new president and CEO, succeeding Jessica Mallow Gulley who left to join the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Williams joins the KSO from the Savannah Philharmonic, where she led a transformation that strengthened the organization artistically, financially and within the community.

Why it matters

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is a vital cultural institution in the region, providing musical experiences and education for the community. Williams' appointment comes at an important time as the organization looks to build on its momentum and continue expanding its reach throughout Southwest Michigan.

The details

Williams has over 15 years of experience in senior artistic, education and administrative roles with orchestras like the Santa Barbara Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and Camerata Pacifica. At the Savannah Philharmonic, she expanded the audience, more than doubled the operating budget, and created innovative community engagement programs. The KSO board is confident Williams' experience and commitment to artistic excellence, music education, and community engagement will serve the organization well as it continues growing.

  • Amy Williams will officially begin as KSO president and CEO on May 26, 2026.
  • Jessica Mallow Gulley departed the KSO in October 2025 to join the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

The players

Amy Williams

The incoming president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, joining from the Savannah Philharmonic where she led a successful transformation.

Jessica Mallow Gulley

The former president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, who left in October 2025 to join the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Jonathan Smith

The orchestra manager veteran who has served as interim president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra since Mallow Gulley's departure.

Karen Isble

The chair of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's board of directors.

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What they’re saying

“I am truly excited to work alongside the Board, staff, and musicians to lead the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra as the next President and CEO, continuing its great momentum and history of bringing to life musical programs in the concert hall, classrooms, and throughout the region.”

— Amy Williams (wwmt.com)

“We are confident that her [Williams'] years of experience and deep commitment to artistic excellence, music education, and robust community engagement will serve the KSO well in building upon the incredible growth and exciting programming the KSO has brought to our community”

— Karen Isble, KSO Board Chair (wwmt.com)

What’s next

Williams is set to work to expand the symphony's annual reach throughout Southwest Michigan and cultivate diverse artistic collaborations to ensure symphonic music remains an accessible and vibrant part of everyday life for the Kalamazoo community.

The takeaway

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's appointment of Amy Williams as its new president and CEO represents an opportunity for the organization to build on its momentum and continue expanding its impact as a vital cultural institution in the region. Williams' extensive experience leading transformative change at other orchestras positions her well to guide the KSO through its next chapter.