Paul Bradford Joins as Vice President of Development and Marketing, and Mike Weems, Davis Fansler and Sheraton Kalouria are Appointed to the Symphony’s Board of Directors
With a rich history of artistic excellence and community engagement, and support at a 10-year high, the Santa Barbara Symphony is expanding and poised for an exciting new chapter, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape. To bring visibility, connection and support to its growing impact, The Symphony is bolstering its leadership team by appointing a Vice President of Development and Marketing and three new board members.
“These dynamic additions to our leadership team bring decades of experience and deep community connections to help us buck national trends, exceed pre-pandemic attendance, and continue growing a financial foundation that fuels our mission of musical excellence and youth education – all in an effort to helping us further serve our community,” said Kathryn R Martin, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony. “Together we are defining what a symphony orchestra can be for its community,” she added.
The Santa Barbara Symphony recently welcomed Paul Bradford to its leadership team as Vice President of Development and Marketing. Bradford brings 30 years of sales and marketing experience, and understands why people love and support organizations like The Symphony. His long-term local relationships will support The Symphony’s goals, as he aims to boost sales and donations through patron growth and engagement.
Previously, Bradford served in key leadership roles in the private and public sectors, including Director of Customer Marketing for a publicly traded SaaS company, Account Executive for an award-winning public affairs firm, Chief of Staff for County Supervisor, and real estate sales, leasing, and finance. He also served as an adjunct professor of change and innovation and marketing at Westmont College.
Leveraging The Symphony’s success and impact, Bradford’s oversight includes managing and significantly growing all contributed revenue initiatives and campaigns, including annual fund, major gifts, Crescendo (multi-year pledge program), special events, planned and endowment giving, foundation and corporate giving, and internal and external customer and market research to inform contributed revenue, brand, and strategic initiatives.
“I am excited to join this beloved cultural institution. My goal is to help build and share experiences that not only captivate audiences but also cultivate lasting bonds, turning every note into a symphony of shared joy and inspiration, “ said Paul Bradford, Vice President of Development and Marketing.
Further advancing The Symphony’s growth and goals are three new board members including Mike Weems, Davis Fansler and Sheraton Kalouria.
Mike Weems is a career Financial and Accounting professional with success working in a multitude of industries including an arts center, hotels, software development, e-commerce retail and a country club. He is currently the CFO for Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito, CA.
Weems has embraced Santa Barbara as his home for more than 20 years. He’s been active with the United Way, “Taste the Nation” events, Santa Barbara Foodbank, and other charitable organizations.
Davis Fansler recently joined the Board and is a distinguished business executive with over 35 years of experience including commercial banking, ambulatory care management and venture capital. Davis has also established Santa Barbara Records, a small, independent record label that develops, curates, and promotes regional musicians.
Before becoming a Santa Barbara resident, Davis and his wife resided in Telluride, Colorado where he served as Mayor of the Mountain Village, and a Board member of Telluride (community) Foundation, R-1 School District, Telluride Airport Authority, Telluride Medical Center, Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club and Telluride Education Foundation.
Sheraton Kalouria recently joined the board and is an executive with experience in marketing, communications, media and entertainment. In his leadership roles, he has strategically met the changing needs of audiences and consumers nationwide and globally with a keen ability to recognize and leverage technology, content, and messaging that motivates action.
Sheraton has been a part of senior management at several public companies, including serving as President and worldwide Chief Marketing Officer for Sony Pictures Television; President of Broadcasting for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia; Senior Vice President of NBC Entertainment; and Vice President for cross-divisional synergies at The Walt Disney Company’s ABC Television Network. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. He is a member of the Television Academy, The Arts Club of London, and the Society of Fellows at Aspen Institute.
The Santa Barbara Symphony relies on enthusiastic support from our community! Make a gift and purchase tickets for The Symphony’s 2024/2025 Season now by visiting TheSymphony.org.
