FSO’s Malfatti announces retirement, search for new director begins

Roger Malfatti, who’s presided over extraordinary expansion and enhancement of the Florence Symphony Orchestra as that organization’s executive director, is retiring.

Malfatti recently told the symphony’s board of directors that he’d like to step down by the end of the season.

No precise “last day” has been set. When tendering his resignation, Malfatti offered to stay until the board was able to find a new executive director, and the board accepted Malfatti’s gracious offer.

“Roger has done a terrific job as our director and we have really appreciated his hard work,” said Marion Swink, chairman of the FSO board. “We wish him well, but he’ll be sorely missed.”

Said Malfatti, “It has been an honor and a pleasure to have served the Florence Symphony. I’ve enjoyed my time working with the board, conductor Terry Roberts, the musicians and our patrons. I’ll miss it but I look forward to attending concerts for years to come.”

Malfatti began his work with the Florence Symphony on Jan. 1, 2010. His stint with the FSO followed a long career in the arts and recreation field. Malfatti has years of experience in concert management in New York, and symphony management in Long Island, NY; Des Moines, Iowa, Savannah, GA, as well as Florence.

Malfatti has always been active in the arts and currently serves on several boards including the South Carolina Pecan Festival, the Masterworks Choir, the Art Trail Gallery Chamber Series and Photograph Exhibits, the City Parks and Beautification Commission and the South Carolina Festival and Events Association. Over his career he has participated in many activities of the American Symphony Orchestra League, the US Institute for Theatre Technology and the NY State Parks and Recreation Association. He has served on the Iowa and Georgia State Arts Council grant panels and has taught Arts Administration at Drake University in Des Moines.

With the FSO, Malfatti presided over a major expansion of the organization’s scope and reach.

During his three years at the helm, the symphony’s subscriptions increased from 370 per year to more than 600 for the current season. The number of concerts increased from four to six per year, and the organization’s income and contributions both doubled.

Malfatti also helped the symphony move into its new home at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center in 2011.

Swink said the symphony board has formed a search committee to look for a new director.

The symphony is seeking an individual with experience in marketing, fundraising and the arts. A full description of the job, along with instructions for potential applications, is online atwww.florencesymphony.com

  

The executive director is housed at the symphony offices at the Performing Arts Center. The position is part-time with flexible hours.

For more information: Contact Roger Malfatti at 661-2541