Jack Meyer, Chairman of the Boston Ballet Board of Trustees, announces the appointment of Meredith (Max) Hodges as Executive Director. The appointment concludes a national search that began in October 2013. Hodges will join Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Boston Ballet's Board in leading the world renowned company into the next 50 years.
"We are delighted that Max will be joining Boston Ballet as Executive Director", said Meyer. "She brings great energy and analytical skills to the Ballet at a time when we are expanding our audiences and ambitions."
Just weeks away from a tour to New York City's Lincoln Center, Hodges joins Boston Ballet at the conclusion of a monumental 50th season and a time of great momentum. With a talented roster of 67 Company and Second Company dancers, the largest ballet school in North America and an array of nationally recognized community programs, the Company is reaching new heights of distinction at the half century mark. With the addition of Hodges to the leadership team, Boston Ballet is well poised to continue on the current trajectory of bringing quality, innovation, and relevance to the future of dance.
"I am very excited to welcome Ms. Hodges to Boston Ballet", said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "She brings a wealth of talent and fresh perspective to our forward-looking organization. I am eager to partner with her as we continue to take the institution to new levels of excellence."
Hodges is currently the Executive Director at Gallim Dance, a non-profit contemporary dance company in New York City under the artistic direction of choreographer and founder Andrea Miller. While serving the organization, Hodges has helped develop and execute strategic plans to increase performance activity and the company's artistic profile, while increasing revenue.
"We all are very proud of Max's significant contribution to Gallim Dance's institutional progress" said Miller. "As an artist, I feel grateful and privileged to have had her outstanding executive support in laying a solid foundation for our ongoing growth."
Prior to her role at Gallim Dance, Hodges led strategic development, membership, and technology initiatives as Project Director for New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). She held a prior role at MoMA as Senior Manager of Finance and Planning, managing MoMA's $145 million operating budget.
No stranger to Boston, Hodges holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard University, a Master in Business Administration degree with distinction from Harvard Business School and was published by Harvard Business Publishing in 2010. She also worked as a Senior Associate Consultant for Bain & Company where she was recognized for leadership and mentoring skills in providing clients from multiple industries with strategic solutions. A highly energetic and tactical leader, Hodges has chosen to dedicate her passion and expertise to a career in the arts and leading Boston Ballet into the next era.
"I am thrilled and honored to join Mikko and the Board in leading Boston Ballet", said Hodges. I share the team's ambition for excellence and innovation, and join in their strong sense of excitement for the Ballet's bright future."
Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world class dance education and community outreach programs have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 50 year history of promoting excellence and access to dance. The Company launched its 50th season overseas with six critically acclaimed performances at The London Coliseum. Upon the return to the U.S., Boston Ballet kicked off the season at home with the first-ever Night of Stars on Boston Common - a free performance for the Boston community. The historic evening attracted over 55,000 audience members to the largest stage ever built on Boston Common. The monumental season will conclude with a national tour to Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center and New York's David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
Led by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, the Company has grown to become a force in the dance world locally, nationally and internationally. Boston Ballet continues this dynamic momentum into its 50th season while honoring its historic roots, the legacy of founder E.Virginia Williams, artistic advisor George Balanchine, and the leadership of artistic directors Violette Verdy, Bruce Marks and Anna Marie Holmes.
The programming for Boston Ballet's sensational 2013-2014 season defines the Company's distinctive style and rich diversity, showcasing its artistic and technical range; from traditional classics like Ashton's Cinderella, Clerc's La Bayadére, Lander's Études, to Balanchine's dazzling Jewels and Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo's C. to C. (Close to Chuck). In addition the Company will introduce new voices in dance to the United States, with works by Alexander Ekman (Cacti), Petr Zuska (D.M.J. 1953-1977), and a world premiere by José Martinez (Resonance).
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access. The School reaches more than 10,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through Boston Ballet School classes, Summer Dance Workshop, Pre-professional Summer Dance Program and the Pre-Professional Training held at three studio locations in Boston, Newton, and Marblehead.
Boston Ballet's nationally-acclaimed education programs include Citydance, TakingSteps, and Adaptive Dance. The programs are offered in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and in communities throughout the city and region.
Boston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following institutional partners:
State Street Corporation, 2013 Presenting Sponsor, The Nutcracker, London Tour
Barr Foundation
The Boston Foundation
Massachusetts Cultural Council
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