Newly promoted Chief Operating & Impact Officer selected for Orchestra Leadership Program
The CSO announces Mitsuko Flynn as Chief Operating & Impact Officer, recently selected for exclusive League of American Orchestras Program
For Immediate Release
June 5, 2025
The Charleston Symphony (CSO) proudly announces the promotion of Mitsuko Flynn to the new leadership role of Chief Operating & Impact Officer. In this expanded position, Flynn will oversee the execution of all CSO programming—including concert operations, education initiatives, and community engagement—as well as the organization’s daily financial management. The role underscores CSO’s commitment to operational excellence, strategic alignment, and impactful community outreach as it advances its 2025 Strategic Plan.
Flynn brings a wealth of experience in both arts administration and music education. Since joining the Charleston Symphony in 2017, she has spearheaded a significant expansion of the organization’s education and outreach programs, including doubling the size of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) while maintaining its high artistic standards including a milestone debut performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall. Most recently, she served as the Director of Education and Business Operations, where she strengthened the Symphony’s infrastructure through innovative programming and cross-sector partnerships.
This promotion reflects not only Mitsuko’s exceptional contributions to the CSO but also the continued growth and complexity of our organization. Mitsuko’s leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission have made her an indispensable part of our team. I look forward to the continued momentum we will build together.
An accomplished cellist and passionate advocate for music education, Flynn previously worked with the Paterson Music Project, an El Sistema-inspired initiative in Paterson, New Jersey, and served on the faculty of Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music Preparatory Division. She holds an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute and degrees in cello performance from Montclair State University. Flynn currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Allegro Charter School of Music in Charleston.
In addition to her promotion, Flynn was recently selected as one of only six orchestra professionals nationwide to join the 2025 cohort of the Anne Parsons Leadership Program, presented by the League of American Orchestras. The prestigious program honors the legacy of the late Anne Parsons, a transformative orchestra leader, and is dedicated to developing gender-diverse leadership in America’s largest-budget orchestras.
I’m honored to take on this leadership role at such a pivotal time for the Charleston Symphony. Our work on stage, in schools, and throughout the community is made possible by a foundation of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and financial stewardship. I’m excited to continue building systems that support artistic excellence and deepen our impact across the greater Charleston area.
About the Anne Parsons Leadership Program
The Anne Parsons Leadership Program is designed to build greater gender diversity in leadership roles in the country’s 50 largest-budget orchestras: 70% of larger orchestras currently have men as executive directors. Research shows that as well as creating fair opportunities for all, gender diversity at senior levels in organizations improves decision-making and performance, strengthens organizational culture, and enhances creativity. The program aims to advance a new generation of candidates with the capacity to take on C-suite roles in major orchestras as well as building a culture of mentorship, coaching, and support across the orchestra field. Participation in the program is free of charge.
The 2025 Anne Parsons Leadership Program cohort:
- Rebecca Cain, Vice President of Operations, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Felice Doynov, Associate Dean of Visiting Faculty and Orchestra, New World Symphony, America's Orchestral Academy
- Mitsuko Flynn, Director of Education and Business Operations, Charleston Symphony
- Emily Fritz-Endres, Executive Director, Albany Symphony
- Amy Heald, Executive Director, The Reno Chamber Orchestra
- Jessica Ruiz, Director, KD SCHMID US
Six orchestra leaders will serve as mentors: Jennifer Barlament, Executive Director, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Marie-Hélène Bernard, President and CEO, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; Anna Kuwabara, Executive and Arts Education Consultant; Kim Noltemy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association; Melia Tourangeau, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; and Dr. Andrea Warren, President & CEO, Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
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