ISO names FORTE founder director of development

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Holly C. Johnson, who was instrumental in setting up FORTE,  the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's organization promoting its music to young professionals, will be the ISO's new vice president of development.

Holly C. Johnson (credit: Tyagan Miller)
Having started her fundraising career with the ISO in 1999, she continued with the organization until 2008, when she led the corporate and foundations fundraising team. Since then, she has worked for the Indiana University Foundation, finishing her work there as director of development, major gifts, for the past two years. She helped establish FORTE in 2003.

Johnson will be responsible for leading ISO fundraising initiatives, including the vital campaign to increase donations to the annual fund. That enlarged fund is the linchpin of the organization's efforts to be solvent enough to keep contractual obligations to the ISO's musicians, who accepted a large wage cut last fall under a five-season contract that took effect after a successful winter campaign to raise $5 million in new money.

Johnson's involvement in community efforts include volunteering and serving on the board for the Hoosier Environmental Council.  She is a pianist at Mount Pleasant Christian Church.

"It's our pleasure to welcome her back to our organization in this new role," said ISO president and CEO Gary Ginstling in a written statement announcing the appointment, which becomes effective July 8.

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