Monday, February 5, 2018

OKC BALLET CHOOSES
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JO LYNNE JONES


Jo Lynne Jones, new Executive Director, OKC Ballet.


Oklahoma City Ballet is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jo Lynne Jones as the John Kirkpatrick Executive Director. Jones comes to Oklahoma City Ballet from Infant Crisis Services, an Oklahoma City nonprofit where she served 16 years, most recently as Director of Development and Communications. Before her tenure in nonprofit, Jones worked in the broadcast industry as a news reporter and anchor.
“I enjoyed meeting Jo very much.  We hit it off right away.  I am excited for her to bring her vast experience in nonprofit leadership to our team at Oklahoma City Ballet,”  said  Robert Mills, Artistic Director of Oklahoma City Ballet.
“It is an honor to join the talented staff of Oklahoma City Ballet, one of the city’s premiere cultural institutions,” said Jones. “Like so many young girls, I, too, grew up dreaming of being a ballerina. While I didn’t pursue that artistic path, I know that my calling as a nonprofit leader will serve me well in this new and exciting position. I am thrilled to lead an organization of distinction in our community, and I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, patrons, administration and artistic staff of this illustrious company.”
As the John Kirkpatrick Executive Director, Jones will take the helm of the organization during a very exciting time for the Ballet. A capital campaign has been underway for a little over a year, and is 91% to goal as renovations continue in the new facility at 6800 North Classen.  
In addition to her nonprofit career, Jones is also a board member for Brave Woman, a national organization giving voice to domestic abuse survivors. She serves as past president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary. She is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 30 and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Jones is married to Tom Mullen, an attorney, and they have two sons.
“Jo is a perfect fit for us.  She is enthusiastic about our company, our performances and especially our community involvement.,” said Sally Nichols-Starling, Board of Trustees President. “ She comes to us at a crucial time as we continue the move into our new iconic dance center.  With Jo as our Executive Director, we look forward to continued growth and recognition on a national level.”
The John Kirkpatrick Executive Directorship is a newly endowed position, with the endowment  gift coming from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. The position was named for John E. Kirkpatrick, who was an integral part of the founding of Oklahoma City Ballet with Yvonne Choteau and Miguel Terekhov.

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About Oklahoma City Ballet: Founded in 1972 by Ballet Russe dancers Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov, Oklahoma City Ballet has been the city’s professional ballet company for 46 years. It is the resident dance Company of the Civic Center Music Hall and currently boasts dancers from around the world. Led by Artistic Director Robert Mills, the Company produces five main stage productions per season in Oklahoma City and tours across Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Oklahoma City Ballet restages the classics in addition to neo classical and other works of the 20th century. It also regularly commissions new works from the industry’s leading choreographers.

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