The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra has named Amy Iwano as its new president and CEO, effective July 1. Iwano joins HSO with an impressive arts career that includes orchestral, chamber, jazz and world music; educational programming; community events and performing arts leadership in Los Angeles, Chicago and Santa Fe. Iwano will set the vision for HSO, building upon the momentum of the organization’s most celebrated seasons since welcoming Music Director Dane Lam in July 2023.Lam, who has led HSO’s record-breaking 2023-2024 season. Together, they will carry out HSO’s commitment to broadening community access to meaningful musical experiences, enhancing the cultural vitality of our islands, and inspiring lifelong support for orchestral music.

“The chemistry and working relationship between CEO and Music Director is critical,” said Dane Lam, music director for Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. “Working hand in glove with Amy, I’m confident in our abilities to grow HSO’s reach, develop our artistic strategy and share our music with more people living in and living with aloha for Hawaiʻi.”

Iwano’s extensive leadership experience includes audience, board and donor development, artistic direction and engagement with tourism associations and the Japanese market, all of which offer timely expertise during an unprecedented time of growth for HSO.

Previously, Iwano served as the artistic and executive director for Performance Santa Fe. She was also the founder and lead planning partner for the Art + Sol Santa Fe Winter Arts Festival. Before that, she was the executive director for The University of Chicago Presents. She also served as the executive director for The Chicago Chamber Musicians, the executive director for the Japan America Symphony Association of Los Angeles, and has worked for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

Iwano has also dedicated many years to public service. Currently, she is the vice chair of the Board of Directors of New Music USA, a board member of the Amphion Foundation, and an advisory board member for the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago.