(Wheeling, WV) – Roanne Burech, President of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) Board of Directors, announced today that Bryan Braunlich has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the WSO. Mr. Braunlich’s new role within the organization is effective immediately.

“I am pleased to officially welcome Bryan Braunlich as WSO’s Executive Director. After an extensive search that spanned six months, we are fortunate to have selected a leader who understands our community and has an extensive background in marketing and communications, knowledge of orchestra and nonprofit operations and first-hand experience leading our wonderful Symphony,” said Mrs. Burech.

Mr. Braunlich joined the WSO staff in 2017 as Director of Marketing and Communications. In this position, he instituted a new brand and look with a community-oriented focus and launched creative marketing campaigns that increased attendance at concerts as well as ticket sales and contributions. In 2018 Mr. Braunlich’s responsibilities were expanded to include the role of General Manager, involving the production of concerts, fundraisers and outreach events that galvanized support for the WSO. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Braunlich has fostered an era of growth, innovation and fiscal viability.

“I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Braunlich for the past 18 months and have been continuously impressed by his work. His wide-ranging abilities, love of the arts and knowledge of Wheeling and the WSO are all invaluable traits. I feel assured that we are in the best of hands as we enter this next chapter and look towards our 100^th anniversary season,” said Music Director John Devlin.

Originally from Wheeling, Mr. Braunlich brings a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, event planning and management from a variety of industries. Prior to his work at the WSO, he held positions at Group Sales Box Office in New York City; Innovage, Inc. in Orange County, CA; Washington Health System in Washington, PA; and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton and has completed music courses at The Juilliard School.

“I am grateful to the WSO Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve as the organization’s Executive Director,” shared Mr. Braunlich. “As someone who was born and raised in Wheeling, and who believes in the future of this community, I feel honored to have been entrusted with this role and look forward to furthering our mission with Maestro Devlin, the Board and our incredibly talented staff and musicians.”

Mr. Braunlich will launch his tenure by working closely with the WSO Board of Directors and staff to ensure that the organization remains adaptive to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to offer exceptional concert experiences virtually and, whenever possible, in person with safety protocols in place. His first WSO event as Executive Director will be The Driehorst Family Foundation presents SoundBites: Gershwin – Eat, Drink & Be Mine on Sunday, February 14, 2021.