Orlando Ballet names new Executive Director
ORLANDO, FL – Monday, September 9, 2024 – Bradley W. Renner, Director of Development at The Joffrey Ballet, has been named Executive Director at Orlando Ballet, the organization’s Board of Directors announced today. Renner steps into the role just as the OB launches its 2024-2025 season. Renner, who joined Joffrey in 2018 as General Manager, had previously served as General Manager with Atlanta Ballet in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Brad was a clear, standout candidate in a global search that included seven potential finalists,” said Board President Jonathan Ledden. “Brad’s depth of experience specifically with ballet companies in major cities, working on both the operational and income side of two major organizations will not only benefit Orlando Ballet, but our evolving cultural arts community as well.”
Renner is eager to get started. “I’m thrilled to step into the executive director’s role, and I am really looking forward to partnering with Jorden Morris to support his artistic vision. I am honored and grateful to the Board for entrusting me with this vital role. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the leadership team at The Joffrey Ballet and DeVos Institute of Arts Management for investing in my skills as an arts management leader.”
Artistic Director Jorden Morris, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director welcomed Renner. “The company has been transforming so beautifully in terms of growth, creativity and artistic excellence and Brad’s leadership will help us continue on our path to success. Brad arrives when the ballet organization is wonderfully well-positioned for building a remarkable future.”
Renner will be responsible for Orlando Ballet’s administrative, financial and daily operations. He will oversee the organization’s $10 million budget and partner with Morris to elevate the dance company to the next level as one of the country’s Tier One ballet companies.
Throughout his career with Atlanta Ballet and Joffrey Ballet, Renner specialized in building partnerships and sponsorships, a unique experience that led him to the critical role of Director of Development at Joffrey. In his first year as Director of Development he successfully led and partnered with the Joffrey team to increase philanthropy from $7 million to $9 million with the relaunch of Joffrey’s largest fundraising event. Renner’s experience includes negotiating license agreements with artists, executing policies and procedures, managing audition processes, artistic budgets, collaborating with marketing and development teams, and overseeing and executing long-range planning. He has co-produced full-length and mixed repertory ballets in partnership with nationally and internationally led companies.
In 2004, Renner received his Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree, with a minor in Dance, from Point Park University, and his Master of Arts Administration from Shenandoah University in 2007. In 2018, he completed the DeVos Institute of Arts Management Fellowship. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Loop Alliance and is a former Board Director for the Gerald Arpino Foundation. During his time in Atlanta, he served as a committee member for the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards with the Cobb Energy Performing arts Centre in Atlanta.
“During his tenure as General Manager and Development Director, Brad Renner embodied the spirit of the Joffrey and nurtured our growth and success,” says Joffrey Ballet Acting President and CEO Shari Massey. “He drove development initiatives to philanthropic heights by securing several large gifts, cultivated strong donor relationships that will have a long-lasting impact on this organization, led with compassion, and mentored a fantastic team that will continue his dedicated work. It is his perfect combination of skills that made a significant impact at the Joffrey, and will no doubt make him an ideal executive director of the Orlando Ballet.”
Renner’s first day is October 14. “I’m confident that in partnership with the board, artists and Orlando Ballet’s team we will delve into the heart of the community to foster and build relationships that will elevate our art and our impact throughout Central Florida.”
