Anna Meyer began her impactful journey with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra as the Community Engagement Manager. Her dedication and innovative approach quickly made her a standout figure within the organization. In 2022, she was appointed as the Executive Director, a role in which she continued to excel until her recent decision to step down and move to Minneapolis due to her husband's new job.
During her time with the FSO, Anna's vision and leadership were instrumental in driving the organization forward. Her tenure is marked by significant achievements and a deep commitment to enhancing the FSO's presence in the community.
One of Anna Meyer's most notable contributions was her ability to create innovative programs that resonated with the community. She launched the 'Symphony on Tap' program, which brought small ensembles from the orchestra to perform free, casual concerts at local breweries and bars. This initiative not only made classical music more accessible but also attracted new patrons who might not have otherwise attended a traditional symphony concert.
Anna also focused on engaging the military community by establishing programs on Fort Bragg. The FSO performed concerts at the Iron Mike Conference Center and held educational activities at Throckmorton Library, thereby fostering a deeper connection with military families and personnel.
Under Anna's leadership, the FSO saw a remarkable expansion in its audience. Through a combination of innovative programming and strategic marketing efforts, the organization grew its reach from 14,000 to 27,000 over her four-year tenure.
Anna's efforts to develop engaging and diverse programming played a crucial role in this growth. By meeting people where they were and offering a variety of musical experiences, she was able to draw in a broader audience and increase ticket sales and donations.
Anna was also instrumental in cultivating important partnerships and collaborations that benefited the FSO and the wider community. One of her notable achievements was establishing a formal partnership with Fayetteville State University. This collaboration not only enhanced the FSO's educational outreach but also provided students with valuable opportunities to engage with classical music.
Her ability to foster relationships with other organizations and community groups helped to elevate the FSO's profile and extend its impact beyond traditional concert settings.
Anna Meyer's tenure as Executive Director of the FSO may have come to an end, but her legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her innovative programs, successful marketing campaigns, and strategic partnerships have set a strong foundation for the orchestra's future.
“Working with Anna to advance the FSO’s mission over the last few seasons has been a joy. Beyond being a compassionate leader and visionary, we will miss simply being with her: in the office, at events, and in the community. I am proud to call Anna a friend and look forward to keeping in touch with her and seeing where life’s next chapters will lead her,” said Stefan Sanders, music director.
“From day one, Anna has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a fantastic work ethic. She's consistently impressed me with her ability to navigate challenges with grace, but also an eagerness to learn and contribute. She'll truly be missed,” said Daniel McCloud, FSO assistant conductor, FSYO conductor, and musician.
"Anna always exceeded expectations and was consistently there when needed," said Laurel Wachtler, FSO musician and Sinfonietta conductor.
"Anna has been a fantastic mentor and leader for the FSO. I felt welcomed and supported from the moment I joined the team, and her presence in the Fayetteville community will be sorely missed,” said Thomas Hill, marketing & office manager.
Those who had the pleasure of working with Anna will miss her leadership and vision, but her contributions have left an indelible mark on the FSO and the community it serves. As Anna embarks on a new chapter in Minneapolis, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will continue to build on the progress made during her time at the helm.