Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) has hired Keith Cerny as its next president and CEO. He will take up the job in January 2019.
This hire caps a busy year for Cerny. In late 2017 he left Dallas Opera after eight years as CEO, moving to Canada to become CEO of Calgary Opera. Now, after less than 12 months, he’s heading back to Texas.
“While it is has been an honour to serve as general director and CEO of Calgary Opera, the travel demands of this leadership position have put a greater than anticipated strain on me and my family back in Texas,” explained Cerny. “I will continue to work with the board of the Calgary Opera to implement the company’s new strategy until I depart for my new position in Fort Worth.”
The rest of Cerny’s job history is made up of stints as executive director of San Francisco Opera (2004-2007) and as CEO of SheetMusicPlus.com (2007-2010).
“Keith’s varied experiences with different organizations in multiple capacities prove that he is indeed highly qualified to be leading the FWSO,” said board chair Mercedes Bass. “We are confident that the board, music director, staff, and musicians will enjoy working with Keith when he joins us in January, and it is indeed a great pleasure to welcome Keith and his wife Jennifer to the FWSO family.”
