Terry Loftis has been named the new CEO of the New Jersey Symphony, the group announced Monday.
Loftis, who joins the New Jersey Symphony from his position as chief advancement and revenue officer of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will begin in the role in March of 2025.
New Jersey Symphony Board Co-Chair and Interim CEO Craig Silliman was delighted to make the announcement.
“It was clear from the candidate selection process that Terry understood the unique mission of New Jersey Symphony, as a statewide orchestra that is ambitiously expanding its footprint into new markets, especially as a placemaker venue in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District,” he said. “We look forward to working with Terry on achieving the Symphony’s strategic goals and furthering its mission throughout the state.”
New Jersey Symphony Music Director Xian Zhang was equally thrilled.
“Terry comes to us with a tremendous amount of experience growing and advancing organizations in the arts,” she said. “I am thrilled to have the chance to work with Terry and to make the most of my upcoming seasons as music director of this exceptional organization.
“I look forward to our time leading together, continuing New Jersey Symphony’s artistic growth and sharing outstanding musical experiences with our beloved donors, subscribers and patrons.”
Loftis arrives at the Symphony during an exciting time for the organization. Recent developments include:
· Expanding the Symphony’s statewide activities to Jersey City, with office space and an added venue, scheduled to open in Spring 2026;
· Xian Zhang will continue as music director of New Jersey Symphony for four more seasons, through the 2027–28 season, alongside her post as Music Director at the renowned Seattle Symphony beginning in 2025–26;
· Joshua Bell was recently appointed the Symphony’s principal guest conductor, to begin in the 2025–26 season through the 2028–29 season;
· The Symphony welcomed flutist and composer Allison Loggins-Hull as its Resident Artistic Partner.
Loftis said he is eager to get started.
“The New Jersey Symphony is a treasure of an organization, and I am thrilled to join it at such a pivotal moment,” he said. “The new Symphony Center opening in Jersey City promises to provide a dynamic arts center to serve all of Hudson County.
“Of course, the Symphony continues to perform full symphonic works to audiences in six cities throughout New Jersey, while also offering community programs in medical facilities, libraries and schools. I especially admire its Youth Orchestra programs that include Black and Latino youth in the Greater Newark area. I can’t wait to get started, get to know the people of New Jersey and see everyone in the concert halls!”
Loftis oversaw the fundraising, marketing, special events and analytical research departments in Dallas.
In his fundraising role, he oversaw the $100 million five-year endowment campaign, a key to providing long term sustainability for the organization. He was directly responsible for securing a $10 million endowment gift and was instrumental in the procurement of a $25 million matching gift. Loftis also oversaw marketing, special events and analytics, in areas that helped grow earned revenues by 10% in the previous fiscal year.
Prior to the DSO, Loftis was the Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director of TACA (The Arts Community Alliance). He also previously served as Vice President of the Broadway Strategic Return Fund in New York.
The New Jersey Symphony President & CEO Chair is graciously underwritten by Ruth C. and A. Michael Lipper.
“We are very pleased to welcome Terry to the Symphony,” they said in a statement. “Terry’s warm personality paired with his experience in the arts will help to propel the organization forward and expand on the work for which our previous President & CEOs have laid a strong foundation. We look forward to welcoming him to New Jersey and the Symphony.”
