Peoria Symphony Orchestra Hires New Director of Development Kelly Schneider
Schneider has worked for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce since 2021 and the Director of Programming for the CEO Council and Young Professionals of Greater Peoria.
Peoria, IL – After a five-month nationwide search, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce the hiring of its new Director of Development, Kelly Schneider, who is set to officially begin on Monday, March 20, 2023. Schneider has worked for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce since 2021 as the Director of Programming for the CEO Council and the Young Professionals of Greater Peoria (YPGP).
“I believe in dedication and investing in your community, so I am excited to work for an organization that has been a huge asset to Greater Peoria for over 125 years,” said Kelly Schneider, incoming Director of Development of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a privilege to continue to foster the relationships with the PSO’s strong foundation and to lead the efforts in growing individual and institutional relationships.”
“Kelly brings a commitment to Peoria and a high level of professionalism to the Peoria Symphony,” said Anthony Marotta, Executive Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. “Her dedication and skill at fundraising and establishing strong relationships have been proven with her work at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and her great success working on the committee for the PSO’s Whiskey at the Warehouse fundraiser. I’m confident that our patrons and community partners will be impressed by her energy and enthusiasm.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Kelly. Her energy and can-do personality will fit in well with our team,” said Maestro George Stelluto, Music Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. “These are exciting times for this orchestra, and Kelly’s fresh perspective and energy to the PSO adds a great deal to that excitement!”
Kelly Schneider Bio
Kelly Schneider is the incoming Director of Development for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, overseeing the growth and development of the organization’s donor relations portfolio, grant management, and fundraising events. She has more than seven years of experience working in non-profits and event planning, including United Stroke Alliance and CEO Council.
After moving to Peoria in 2008, Kelly became actively involved in several local organizations such as the Rotary Club of Peoria North, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and Young Professionals of Greater Peoria (YPGP). Since her arrival in Peoria, she has built strong relationships with people throughout the community and established herself as a valuable leader in the central Illinois community. Ms. Schneider has served on many committees for events throughout the years, including the Big Table: Greater Peoria, YPGP’s Monster Bash, and the PSO’s Whiskey in the Warehouse. She remains a volunteer of the United Stroke Alliance, helping to direct weekend retreats and hosting Facebook live videos to stay connected to participants across the country. In 2017, Kelly started hosting the weekly show, “What’s Up Peoria.” The show highlights a variety of events happening in the region from live music to community events.
Kelly was honored as one of Peoria Magazine’s 2021 40 Leaders Under Forty award recipients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Illinois University.
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You can stay informed about the PSO by visiting peoriasymphony.org, the PSO’s Facebook page (facebook.com/peoriasymphony), as well as our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@peoriasymphony).
Founded in 1897, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire through music. The PSO presents excellent live musical performances, innovative music education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly impact central Illinois’s cultural and economic vitality.
For media inquiries or more information: MacKenzie Taylor, Director of Marketing and Communications, Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Email: mtaylor@peoriasymphony.org // Direct line: 309.495.0563
