American Composers Orchestra (ACO), praised for its “robust and diverse commissioning program” by The New York Times, has named Lyndsay Werking as its Acting President, effective immediately following current
President Edward Yim’s departure on September 18. Werking joined ACO as Director of Development in 2017 and will continue that role concurrently. ACO has engaged executive search firm HC Smith Ltd to fill the position of President permanently.
“As Director of Development, Lyndsay has worked closely with Ed to ensure that ACO has the resources necessary to execute on its strategic plan,” said Sameera Troesch, chair of ACO’s Board of Directors. “Her strong leadership has also helped ACO to expand its network of dedicated supporters. We are fortunate to have her step into the Acting President role, for the continuity and expertise she can provide while the Board of Directors completes a search for Ed’s successor.”
ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel adds, “In the last three years, Lyndsay has helped to capitalize capacity building and artistic initiatives at ACO. We are thrilled to have her lead the organization at this time of transition. Her understanding of ACO’s staff, artists, and community will ensure that we can keep advancing our mission and sustaining ACO’s core operations. I have great confidence that she will continue advancing ACO’s financial and strategic planning to build an even stronger platform for a new President.”
As ACO’s Director of Development, Lyndsay Werking has worked closely with the President and Board to lead fundraising and communications strategy for the organization’s three-year strategic plan. Accomplishments of the last three years include launching ACO’s Commission Club, securing capacity building grants from the Altman Foundation and Baisley Powell Elebash Fund, working to design ACO’s new website, and increasing individual giving by sixty percent.
Previously, Werking served as Managing Director of American Lyric Theater, a New York-based opera incubator that specializes in the development of new works. There, she was responsible for event production, financial oversight, and fundraising. With OPERA America’s artistic services department, she led planning for the annual New Works Forum, administered multiple grant programs, and produced public events at the National Opera Center, and industry conferences with partner opera companies throughout North America.
A self-described “curious community connector,” Werking’s ultimate passion is performing arts, especially original works created by living artists. She believes in the power of art to examine social issues, spark conversation, and bridge gaps between people. She has served on grant panels for the MAP Fund, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and worked with Merkin Concert Hall, and the Glimmerglass Festival.
Werking completed the Executive Program in Arts and Culture with National Arts Strategy and University of Pennsylvania, and holds a B.A. degree from Colgate University. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, and she volunteers with Patient Forward and PL + US (Paid Leave for the United States).
