The Nashville Symphony has named Mark Tillinger its new president and CEO, effective immediately, following Mark Cantrell’s departure. More Local Living News
Tillinger brings executive leadership experience and longstanding ties to both Nashville and the Symphony. He previously served six years on the Nashville Symphony Board of Directors and was part of the search committee that hired Music Director Leonard Slatkin.
He currently serves as a senior advisor and limited partner at Recognize, where he has advised company CEOs on strategy, transformation and growth. Tillinger is also co-founder of the Music City Brass Ensemble and principal tuba player with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Mark Tillinger is exactly the right leader for this moment,” Nashville Symphony Board Chair Teresa Sebastian said in a release. “He possesses a deep understanding of this organization and this community, and he has the executive experience needed to lead complex financial turnarounds.”
Sebastian said the board has confidence Tillinger can help guide the Symphony through its restructuring efforts and toward greater long-term financial stability.
She also thanked Cantrell for his time leading the organization.
“We’re grateful to Mark Cantrell for his service to the Nashville Symphony, including his work laying the groundwork for the path that lies ahead,” Sebastian said.
Tillinger said his priorities will include strengthening the Symphony’s finances, fundraising efforts and revenue strategy.
“The Nashville Symphony matters deeply to this city, and I’m honored to help lead it through this critical chapter,” Tillinger said. “My focus is clear: rebuild our financial foundation, strengthen our fundraising and revenue strategy, and position this organization for a strong, sustainable future.”
The Symphony said it will continue providing updates as its restructuring plan moves forward.
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