gold-curve Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Panama City Symphony Board of Directors

PANAMA CITY SYMPHONY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Leadership and Community Stewardship

“As a third-generation native of Panama City, 

I’ve had the pleasure of watching the Symphony 

become what it is today: 

an engaging and vital artistic treasure.” 

Panama City Symphony is governed by a passionate, working Board of Directors. As a board-driven organization, our members generously contribute their time, unique professional talents, and financial support (“time, talent, and treasure”) to ensure the artistic excellence and financial sustainability of the Symphony.

Our Board is committed to bringing world-class orchestral music and vital music education programs to the Bay County community.

Governance & Operations

To maintain the highest standards of non-profit management, the Board operates under organizational bylaws and standard parliamentary voting procedures.

  • Active Oversight: The Board meets monthly and maintains continuous communication to oversee the Symphony’s strategic direction, community partnerships, and long-term vision.
  • Commitment to Mission: Board members serve as ambassadors, fundraisers, and strategic leaders, bridging the gap between our onstage artistry and the community we serve.

Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency

Panama City Symphony is dedicated to financial stewardship. We honor the investment of our donors, corporate sponsors, and patrons through rigorous internal controls and independent financial oversight:

  • Dual-Authorization Controls: To ensure accountability, all organizational expenditures require the formal review and approval of two authorized Board members.
  • Monthly Accounting Oversight: Financial statements are reviewed monthly to maintain adherence to our annual operating budget.
  • Independent Audits: To guarantee transparency and compliance with non-profit regulations, our financial records undergo audits and reviews conducted by independent, external accounting firms.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dr. Marlene East

President

Retired counselor and non-profit executive director. Glass artist.

Talents Contributed: Leadership, Graphic Design, Administrative Organization, Grant-Writing

Crook Stewart

Vice President

Tour Management and Accounting, Bonnie Raitt; Co-Owner of The Ghetto Palace; Co-Founder of Music Matters

Talents Contributed: Board Recruitment, Governance Oversight, Concert and Event Logistics

Denise Cox

Immediate Past President

President, Storm Energy Ltd.

Talents Contributed: Development, Donor Relations, Grant-writing, Ad Sales

Danielle Streichert

Board Secretary; Chair, Fund Raising and Events Committee

Health Agent, Peoples First Insurance; Leadership on Various Non-Profit Boards

Talents Contributed: Event Planning and Execution; Non-Profit Leadership

Raymond East, Jr.

Treasurer

Retired Owner of East Electrical Contractors

Talents Contributed: Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Planning, Investment Oversight, Concert Logistics and Stage Setup, Construction Expertise

Sonya Caldwell

Development Committee

Broker/Community Strategist, Caldwell Broker, LLC

Talents Contributed: Development, Donor Relations, Sponsor Development

Kathleen Collier

Grant Committee

Retired Healthcare CEO, Former Board Member San Diego Zoo

Talents Contributed: Finance and Sustainability, Grant-writing

Art Kimbrough

Chair, Finance & Sustainability Committee & Chair, Human Resources Committee

Executive Coach and Chairman, Vistage Florida CEO Peer Advisory Group

Talents Contributed: Leadership Development, Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Human Resources

David Mashburn

Committees: Fundraising & Events, Governance & Nominating, Music Ed, Public Relations

New Home Consultant, Holiday Builders; Retail and Administrative Expertise, Prior Experience on Various Boards

Talents Contributed: Leadership, Relationship-Building, Long-Range Planning, Public Relations

Mary Middlemas

Chair, Music Education Committee

Retired Language and Writing Professor and Writing Center Director

Talents Contributed: Music Education Organizational Leadership, Editing

Karen Roganov

Chair, Friends of the Symphony Volunteers; Public Relations Committee

Retired U.S. Military Officer; Activity Leader, FL Trail Association

Talents Contributed: Writing Feature Articles, Developing Social Media Content, Organizing Volunteers

Marta Rose-Thorpe

Chair, Public Relations Committee

Marketing Strategist, Business Development, Community Connector, Cobalt Coast LLC

Talents Contributed: Public Relations Leadership, Press Release Writer, Social Media Content Creator

Steve Wiggins

Public Relations; Concert and Event Logistics

Former Business Owner; Musician; Pianist

Talents Contributed: Photography and Videography, Concert and Event Logistics

Michael Dickey

Legal Advisor (Non-Voting)

Law Offices of Michael P. Dickey

Talents Contributed: Legal Expertise

PANAMA CITY SYMPHONY STAFF

Leslie Christianson

Patron Services Associate

Jordan Hale

Orchestra Manager