Rhonda Buckley-Bishop Named ASO Interim Executive Director
Posted Sep 10, 2026 | ASO News,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Emily Sutton
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RHONDA BUCKLEY-BISHOP NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ALEXANDRIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Veteran nonprofit leader brings 30 years of leadership experience as ASO enters a milestone season and period of artistic transition
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 9, 2026)— The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announced today that Rhonda Buckley-Bishop will serve as Interim Executive Director beginning in September 2026.
Buckley-Bishop joins the ASO at a pivotal moment in the Symphony’s history. The 2026–2027 season marks 25 years of ASO performances at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and welcomes four guest conductors as the organization looks toward its artistic future. Louis Lohraseb, Chia-Hsuan Lin, Andrew Crust and James Blachly will each bring a distinctive musical voice and vibrant energy to the ASO stage.
As Interim Executive Director, Buckley-Bishop will work closely with the ASO Board of Trustees, staff, musicians and community partners to provide leadership and organizational continuity during this important period. She will help strengthen the Symphony’s operations and infrastructure while supporting its mission and positioning the organization for its next chapter.
“This is a truly exciting time in ASO’s history,” said Laurie MacNamara, President of the ASO Board of Trustees. “Rhonda brings the combination of expertise, experience, and passion for our work that makes her the perfect leader for us as we continue to build the means to meet our mission of bringing the highest-quality classical music to our community.”
Buckley-Bishop most recently served in an interim leadership role with Washington National Cathedral. Throughout her 30-year career in the nonprofit sector, she has developed particular expertise in strengthening teams and organizational infrastructure and preparing organizations for successful leadership and long-term growth. She has served as Interim Executive Director and CEO for nonprofit organizations, associations and academic institutions of varying sizes throughout the Washington, D.C. region and beyond.
Her connection to the arts is also deeply personal. Buckley-Bishop holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of General Administration degree with an emphasis in nonprofit management from the University of Maryland University College. A classical saxophonist, she continues to perform and is actively involved with nonprofit organizations throughout the Washington region.
About the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Founded during World War II, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra has a long history of bringing live orchestral music and music education to Alexandria and the greater Washington region. The ASO currently presents five concert pairs each season, with Saturday evening performances at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and Sunday matinees at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Subscriptions and single tickets are available at AlexSym.org or by calling 703-548-0885.
