Christopher Harrington has been with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra since 2012.
A career rich in Detroit’s culture, Harrington has served as the Senior Director and Curator for The Max and Managing Director of the DSO Paradise Jazz Series. Now, shifting gears, he has accepted a new role and will now take his talents to The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts as its new president and CEO. His new role will include heading the Saint Paul nonprofit, home to Broadway @ the Ordway, Concerts @ the Ordway and an assortment of other stage performances.
“The Ordway is one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers and boasts diverse programming, a world-class venue, and a dedicated community of arts supporters,” says Harrington. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the talented Ordway team and serve as the organization’s next president and CEO. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, and Arts Partnership to build on the Ordway’s rich legacy and immerse myself in the vibrant arts community here.”
During his time with the DSO, the new CEO had the opportunity to bring a reimagined vision to life. Launching its venue The CUBE, Harrington also increased the DSO’s presentations sevenfold, grew ticket revenue by over 300 percent, and grew audiences to better reflect the diverse communities of Detroit. With a resume that includes revenue generation strategy, leadership, and pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion for performers and communities, the move to Minnesota comes at a time when the performance center is set to reopen after an 18-month closure due to the pandemic.
“Chris is a trusted arts advocate and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Ordway family and the Twin Cities,” says Brad Wood, chair of the Ordway’s Board of Directors and its search committee. “Many events of the past year and a half have only underscored the significance of the arts in our lives. He is passionate about community and bringing people together around the performing arts. I can’t imagine a better person to lead the Ordway as we reopen.”
A background that includes business and music knowledge as well as knowing the ropes through personal triumphs helped to lay the groundwork for the CEO role. Harrington will take the place of current CEO, Chris Sagstetter, who will resume her previous role as executive vice president and CFO.