About the Executive Director
Libby Watson
The Adrian Symphony Orchestra appointed Elizabeth (Libby) Watson as Executive Director on July 1, 2009. She had served on the ASO Board of Directors since 2002 and as Board Secretary since 2005.
Watson holds a degree in business administration from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University and has completed graduate coursework in organizational leadership at Siena Heights University. Watson has worked in the retail, automotive, and banking sectors. Most recently, she worked as a training and development consultant for ABN AMRO, an international bank.
Watson’s musical background began in the 4th grade after her cellist father encouraged her to begin violin lessons. She later studied viola and toured Europe for two summers with the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra. In addition to serving on the Board, Watson played violin with the ASO.
“I’m delighted that the Board of Directors has chosen Libby to lead the orchestra in this next phase of its development,” said ASO Music Director John Thomas Dodson on her appointment. “Orchestras are not static entities. Just like a human body they grow and develop. This requires ever changing leadership to continue to remain vibrant and alive. Libby brings a broad background that includes being a musician and board member. I can think of no other person in this region who can step into this role so effortlessly, especially at such a critical time in the orchestra’s life. We are lucky to have her and we hope she stays for a very long time.”