Brevard Music Center has announced that President and CEO Mark Weinstein has decided to step down at the end of 2023. He will remain in his position until then providing ample time for Brevard Music Center (BMC) to find and appoint a new president to lead the organization.
“Next December will mark just over ten years for me at this amazing and wonderful institution. It has truly been an honor and a privilege,” Weinstein said. “Whatever has been accomplished over that time has been due to the efforts of many. Together with a dedicated and united Board of Trustees, alongside an excellent, smart, and motivated staff, and many, many others, we have not only accomplished a great deal but, more importantly, we have set the stage for great achievement well into the future. I assure you I will continue to work diligently as BMC President to maximize our mission during this time and beyond.”
Under Weinstein’s leadership, Brevard Music Center has achieved unprecedented stability and growth. The number of donors to BMC has nearly tripled and annual contributions to BMC have more than doubled. Additionally, Mark has led two successful capital campaigns and generated operating surpluses all together totaling close to $30 million. In addition to record sales at the box office almost every year, the student body has grown from 400 to over 700 talented young musicians. Plus, Mark has significantly increased Legacy Gift commitments (contributions in wills and estates) securing another $30 million in bequest intentions over the last three years alone.
Lucrative and exciting program additions during Weinstein’s tenure including Jazz, Banjo, Bluegrass Guitar, and Classical Guitar, and a roster of internationally acclaimed artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Lyle Lovett, Joshua Bell, Garrick Ohlsson, The Temptations, Amy Grant, The Four Tops, ABBA, and the Steep Canyon Rangers have cemented BMC’s reputation as a foremost, international treasure that is fortified by the warmth and support of the Brevard community.
Weinstein’s leadership enabled the funding and construction of the new state-of-the-art Parker Concert Hall providing year-round programming for the local community and beyond. During his tenure, new student dorms and faculty housing units have been built, and many of BMC’s campus facilities have been renovated and upgraded, including Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium, Searcy Cafeteria, dozens of other campus buildings.
BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart praised Weinstein. “Mark has been an extraordinary presence in Brevard over the last decade. His ability to engender enthusiasm and galvanize support for the amazing work we do here is nothing short of miraculous, and the results of his tenure here will continue to serve the mission of Brevard Music Center and our entire community for years to come.”
After retiring, Mark and his wife, Susan will continue to call Brevard home. “Susan and I plan to stick around in Brevard. We will always have BMC in our hearts,” said Weinstein.
Prepared by Brevard Music Center.