After taking several months off to start a business, the Vancouver Symphony’s former interim executive director has returned, again on a temporary basis.
Scott Milam took the reins of the nonprofit organization after former President Celia Gesting resigned in May. Milam, a 50-year-old Vancouver resident who’s been on the Vancouver Symphony board since 2008, assumed leadership of the organization in June and continued through late November.
At that time, he left to launch the business management consulting firm Milam-Imse Consulting, which he co-owns with Ken Imse.
“I just needed to get my career on track and go back to the board and try to play an instrumental role in seeking a permanent director,” Milam said.
The Vancouver Symphony’s staff and board ran the organization while it was without an executive director. The group searched for a long-term successor to Gesting, but was unsatisfied with the candidate pool, Milam said.
April concerts canceled
The organization has reached a critical point financially, announcing this week the cancellation of its April concerts due to a budgetary shortfall. The board asked Milam to come back as interim executive director to help get the orchestra back on solid financial footing.
This time, the position won’t be volunteer. Milam-Imse Consulting contracted with the organization and will be paid $3,000 a month to run the orchestra. Gesting’s salary was $70,000 a year, according to previous reports.
The search for a permanent executive director is on hold while the group concentrates on its new Save the Music campaign to drum up donations. Milam expects to launch a new search at the beginning of May.
Mary Ann Albright: maryann.albright@columbian.com, 360-735-4507.
