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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, April 30, 2005

Ex-first lady may fill symphony position

By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu Symphony officials are looking into creating a new top position for the organization and are considering former first lady Vicky Cayetano for the job.

Vicky Cayetano

Cayetano's official appointment as chief executive officer — an unpaid position — may come as early as next month, at the organization's next board meeting, said Kristin Jackson, a symphony spokeswoman.

"(Her appointment) has been recommended by the executive committee, which has to take it to the board," at a monthly meeting, Jackson said.

As the symphony's CEO, Cayetano would "oversee the administration of the symphony and ... the president of the symphony would report to and be accountable to her," Jackson said. "But her main role will be building the board and working on fund-raising."

The recommendation is pending approval, but Cayetano looks forward to the possibility.

"Yes, very much so," Cayetano said. "I think that the symphony is a wonderful organization and music is such an important part of our community."

Honolulu Symphony president Stephen Bloom said Thursday that he will be leaving his position with the orchestra at the end of the season in June to pursue a career change.

During his five-year tenure, Bloom developed a long-range plan to strengthen community support and involvement, and advanced the East Meets West concert series, which celebrates Hawai'i's heritage cultures.

Carolyn Berry, chair of the Honolulu Symphony Board of Directors, will assume leadership duties in the transition.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.