Austin Symphony Orchestra Adds Six New Board Members with Diverse Expertise

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New trustees bring expertise in finance, technology, and the arts to support the Austin, Texas orchestra.

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The Austin Symphony Orchestra has announced its incoming Board of Trustees for the 2026 to 2027 season, welcoming a dynamic group of leaders whose experience spans finance, technology, operations, entrepreneurship, consulting, civic service, and the arts.

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The incoming trustees bring deep professional expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening Austin's cultural community. Their leadership will support the ASO's mission to present exceptional symphonic music, expand community engagement, and advance educational opportunities across Central Texas.

Joining the Austin Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees are Johannes Brinkmann, former Chief Financial Officer of AM Technical Solutions; Dr. Soriya Estes, Founder of Think Purple Consulting; Ben Heitner, finance and planning professional at Adobe and former President of Austin Symphony Orchestra BATS; Sylvia Mayer, Director of Operations at Cover Desk and past President of Austin Symphony Orchestra BATS; Adriel “A.J.” Meditz, Senior Private Banker at PNC and Hawthorn Private Bank; and Kumar Parakala, CEO, North America, of Tabhi Inc.

Johannes Brinkmann brings three decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, including executive leadership roles as Chief Financial Officer of AM Technical Solutions and President and CEO of the United States operations of STEAG Electronic Systems. His long record of civic and arts involvement includes service as President of the Austin Civic Orchestra, board member and cellist with the Central Texas Medical Orchestra, and organizer of the annual Haydn in the Hills chamber music camp.

Dr. Soriya Estes brings extensive experience in brand strategy, culture building, organizational transformation, and entrepreneurship. As Founder of Think Purple Consulting, she works with leadership teams and organizations navigating growth, mergers and acquisitions, and cultural change. A longtime supporter of Austin's music community, Estes has partnered with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians since 2009 and has served in leadership roles with KMFA Classical Public Radio.

Ben Heitner brings a strong background in finance, planning, transformation, and program management, with experience at Adobe, Dell, DJO, and Forcepoint. He has also been a dedicated ASO volunteer leader through Austin Symphony Orchestra BATS, where he served in multiple officer roles, including President, helping strengthen engagement between young professionals and the Symphony.

Sylvia Mayer brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate operations, organizational development, training, and international vendor management. As Director of Operations at Cover Desk, she leads planning, employee training, capacity management, and growth initiatives across international teams. Mayer has also served for more than 10 years with Symphony BATS, including as President and board member, and has supported numerous nonprofit and arts organizations through volunteer leadership.

Adriel “A.J.” Meditz brings expertise in private banking, wealth management, and financial planning through his work with PNC Private Bank and Hawthorn Private Bank. A third generation Texan and Austinite since 1997, Meditz has been actively involved in a wide range of civic, cultural, and nonprofit organizations, including the Paramount Theatre, Austin Opera, Austin Sunshine Camps, Young Men's Business League, and the Austin Symphony Board of Directors.

Kumar Parakala brings more than three decades of global leadership experience across technology, professional services, strategy, governance, and artificial intelligence. As CEO, North America, of Tabhi Inc., he leads work in the global travel technology sector. A certified board director and author of Lead to Disrupt, Parakala has served on corporate, nonprofit, and advisory boards across the United States, Australia, and Asia Pacific, and is passionate about the role of the arts in building strong, creative communities.

“We are honored to welcome this exceptional group of trustees to the Austin Symphony Orchestra,” said Justus Zimmerman, CEO of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. “Each incoming board member brings a unique combination of professional expertise, civic leadership, and passion for the arts. Their perspectives will help the ASO continue to grow, serve our community, and inspire audiences throughout Central Texas.”

The Austin Symphony Orchestra also recognizes the continued leadership of Jay Stewart and James “Jim” Green. Stewart will serve as ASO Board President and Green will serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees beginning September 1, 2026. Their ongoing service provides continuity and guidance as the incoming trustees begin their terms.

Together, the 2026 to 2027 Board of Trustees will help guide the Austin Symphony Orchestra into its next chapter, supporting artistic excellence, community connection, education, and the continued vitality of Austin's cultural landscape.

For more information about the Austin Symphony Orchestra, upcoming performances, and community programs, please visit austinsymphony.org .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/austin/article/Austin-Symphony-Orchestra-to-Welcome-Six-New-Board-of-Trustees-for-Upcoming-Season-20260611)._