Brian Ritter, 32

By Sarah Roberts

Six years ago, Brian Ritter was working as the development director of the Allentown Symphony Association in his hometown of Allentown, Penn., when he received an invitation to come to Rockford.

Ritter clearly remembers his first impression of the city: “It seemed like a place where you could come and really get involved and make a difference,” he said. “It seemed like the community was very welcoming of that, and that was a big attraction.”

In his time at the helm of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Ritter has made huge differences. RSO has netted numerous prestigious awards, including the 2007 Illinois Orchestra of the Year, 2008 Illinois Music Programming of the Year, and 2009 Illinois General Manager of the Year. In a time when people are cutting back on arts and entertainment spending, RSO has managed to increase single-ticket sales and set new records for season subscription renewals. And, perhaps most importantly, the organization has in place a strategic long-range plan designed to make it efficient and guide it through challenging economic times.

Ritter’s accomplishments also netted him one of only 12 spots in the first nationwide Executive Leadership Program of the League of American Orchestras. He’s set to wrap up the two-year program this summer and will leave with lasting friendships and connections and leadership growth that should help him lead RSO to even greater heights.

RSO is such an integral part of Ritter’s life that it permeates his “off hours,” if you can call them that. He works with the boards of the RSO, the RSO Foundation – the successful new endowment program he championed – and the Friends of the Coronado and Illinois Council of Orchestras. Ritter also advocates for RSO collaborations with the Rockford School District, Rockford Dance Company, the Coronado Performing Arts Center, and other groups – part of his commitment to spreading music throughout the community.