Yost brings more than fifteen years of experience in strategic communications and nonprofit leadership in arts and culture, most recently as Director of Marketing and Communications at Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, S.C. His career has centered on positioning cultural organizations to reach broad audiences, stewarding donor relationships, and translating artistic vision into community impact.

“The Olympia Symphony has tremendous momentum under Alexandra Arrieche’s leadership, and a community that wants to know about it,” Yost said. “I’m joining to amplify and help this organization sustain its deep commitment to this community. Being able to do this work in a community I’ve heard about my entire life is especially meaningful.”

Laurel Gonzalo, President of the Board of Directors, said: “Geoff’s appointment reflects the board’s commitment to strengthening the Symphony’s presence in Olympia and the South Sound region. He brings proven expertise in donor engagement, community partnerships, and organizational strategy, combined with a genuine passion for classical music and its power to bring people together. We’re confident that Geoff will help us build on our artistic achievements and deepen our connection across the community.”

Music Director Alexandra Arrieche added: “I’m very excited to work with Geoff. From our very first conversation, it was clear we shared the same vision and passion for the arts and collaborations. He has a natural way of bringing people together and believes that music belongs to everyone. I can’t imagine a better fit for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and our community.”

Yost takes the helm from outgoing Executive Director Thom Mayes, whose leadership has helped sustain the Symphony as a vital cultural institution in the region. Mayes will support a full transition in the coming months.

Yost holds a background in strategic communications and nonprofit consulting and has served in advisory capacities across the arts and culture sectors, including on the Board of Directors of the Charlotte (N.C.) Choir School. A fourth-grade field trip to the Charlotte Symphony, complete with a John Williams encore, sparked his lifelong passion for classical music and its role in education and community.

“The Olympia Symphony represents everything I’ve worked toward in my career: a growing artistic institution with incredible potential, dynamic and passionate musicians, a board committed to growth, and a community ready to engage. I couldn’t be more honored to lead during this chapter.” Yost said.

Geoff Yost’s full bio is available on the Olympia Symphony website, here.