July 10, 2018

The executive director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is leaving to lead the Omaha Symphony, where she worked before coming to Sioux Falls eight years ago.

Jennifer Boomgaarden’s final day is Aug. 3, and she will start as the president and CEO in Omaha on Sept. 4. She served as the Omaha Symphony’s vice president of education and community partnerships from 2004-10.

“Jennifer Boomgaarden’s eight years with the SDSO has been transformational for our organization,” said music director Delta David Gier.  “The orchestra is the strongest it has ever been in terms of vision, finances and personnel.”

Under Boomgaarden’s leadership, the orchestra was awarded the Bush Prize for Community Innovation and was selected as one of five orchestras in the country to host a New Music USA composer residency from 2017-19.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together,” Boomgaarden said.

The board of directors has formed a committee to find a replacement.

Boomgaarden will succeed James Johnson, who left Omaha in April to become CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

“Jennifer immediately stood out to our search committee as a candidate with a creative, enterprising mind, a positive and collaborative approach to addressing challenges and opportunities, and an engaging personality that energizes those around her,” said D. David Slosburg, Omaha Symphony board chairman. “She is passionate and articulate, with proven leadership successes in financial management, strategic planning, fundraising and program building. Jennifer will be a dynamic leader for the Omaha Symphony as we enter our 98th season and look toward the milestone of our 100th anniversary and beyond.”

Thomas Wilkins, the Omaha Symphony’s music director since 2005, looks forward to welcoming his former colleague back to Omaha.

“Jennifer Boomgaarden’s devotion to the Omaha Symphony’s music and mission was inspiring during her previous tenure here, and she has achieved an impressive array of accomplishments since she was last with us. She’s a multitalented leader who has gained the attention of America’s symphony orchestra industry, and the Omaha Symphony is fortunate to bring her aboard.”