The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) has announced that Jessica Mallow Gulley will become its new President and Managing Director on October 13, 2025, following the conclusion of a national search that lasted nine months. She succeeds Jon Limbacher, who has been a central figure in the organization’s leadership and will continue to support the orchestra in an advisory role.
Mallow Gulley brings with her a track record of strong leadership in the orchestral world. For the past six years, she has served as President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. During her tenure, she accomplished milestones that revitalized the institution, including balancing its budget for the first time in a decade, dramatically increasing ticket sales revenue by 190%, and expanding the audience base by an impressive 80%. Her leadership in Kalamazoo demonstrated a capacity not only for financial turnaround but also for engaging communities in meaningful ways that boosted both attendance and support.
Before Kalamazoo, she built her experience across several respected organizations in the classical music sector. She worked with the Jacksonville Symphony, Washington Performing Arts, and Orchestra Iowa, gaining valuable insight into different facets of arts management. She also pursued advanced studies in the field, earning a master’s degree in arts management from American University. This combination of hands-on leadership and academic grounding has prepared her for the challenges and opportunities of guiding one of the country’s leading chamber orchestras.
In reflecting on her new role, Mallow Gulley expressed deep enthusiasm and commitment to the SPCO’s future. “I am truly honored and excited to join The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and to help shape its next era,” she said. She emphasized her vision of working in partnership with the orchestra’s musicians, staff, board, and community to build a future defined by engagement, accessibility, and creativity. For her, this next chapter is about broadening the ways people can connect with the orchestra while also ensuring that it remains financially sustainable and artistically vibrant.
The SPCO’s board has voiced strong support for her appointment. Ann Huntrods, the organization’s Board Chair, described Mallow Gulley as a leader whose “enthusiasm, strategic thinking, and knowledge of the orchestral industry” stood out throughout the search process. Huntrods also expressed gratitude to the board members, musicians, and staff who participated in what she called a thoughtful and thorough process of selecting the orchestra’s next leader. Their decision reflects a shared confidence that Mallow Gulley has the vision and skills needed to guide the SPCO into a new era.
For the orchestra, this transition comes at a time when many arts organizations are navigating the challenges of connecting with diverse audiences and maintaining financial resilience. The SPCO has long been recognized for its innovative programming and dedication to making chamber music accessible to the public. With Mallow Gulley at the helm, it is poised to strengthen that reputation while also exploring fresh opportunities for growth. Her proven ability to turn around organizations, expand audiences, and inspire community investment aligns well with the SPCO’s mission to reach more people through the power of music.
Her leadership promises not only continuity but also renewal. While honoring the orchestra’s traditions and the work of her predecessor, she brings a perspective shaped by years of experience across different institutions and communities. In doing so, she offers a vision of an SPCO that remains artistically excellent while finding new ways to resonate with audiences locally and beyond.
