Jeff vom Saal was named Executive Director in 2007, during the Music Director search that brought Conductor Mark Russell Smith to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. During Jeff's tenure as Executive Director, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra has expanded its annual concert offerings, including recently two free public performances during Red, White, and Boom! The QCSO's Masterworks series has also increased its subscriber base by 20%. This time period boasts many memorable artistic achievements such as Midori's residency, the multi-media performance of The Planets, and most recently Mark Russell Smith's production of War Requiem. "Ultimately, being a musician myself, I'm probably most proud of the personal relationships I've been able to develop with our orchestra," said Jeff vom Saal. "We've been able to maintain good communication and transparency through some tough financial times and even union negotiations."
"The Board is sorry to hear of Jeff's decision, but we are also very excited for Jeff and his family," said Board of Trustees President Julie McHard. "We've accomplished a lot as an organization during Jeff's time with us and his will be a tough act to follow." The Board of Trustees' executive committee has begun meeting to plan for a search to replace vom Saal.