Nonprofit Executive of the Year – Finalist
Linda Edelstein
Executive director, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
After an extensive search, Linda Edelstein was named executive director of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2012.
She leads a team of 56 full- and part-time administrative and artistic staff and oversees more than two dozen program offerings that serve 1,000 students from as many as 215 schools, 60 communities and 14 counties in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. She manages a budget of more than $2 million, with endowment and reserves of more than $6 million.
Edelstein recently led MYSO through a strategic planning process that culminated in the establishment of a core set of strategic priorities.
In one season, since the priorities were established, Edelstein has executed several advancements within the organization, including the development of a new website, brand strategy and the hiring of a new marketing director. She has reengaged the board of directors and successfully launched MYSO’s first annual gala fundraiser, netting more than $77,000 in its inaugural year. Contributed revenue also increased 18 percent during the 2015-’16 season.
MYSO empowers young people from diverse backgrounds by encouraging them to pursue excellence in music and foster critical thinking skills, creativity and collaboration along the way. Edelstein’s energy has infiltrated the community and MYSO’s continued growth would not be possible without her leadership.
