Arts Administration alumna named Executive Director of American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

Having been with AYPO for six years, Southwood's journey within the organization began in 2018 when she started as general manager, shortly after graduating from CCM with a MA in Arts Administration and an MBA from UC Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Over the years, she progressed from director of finance and operations to interim executive director, before officially being appointed executive director. Southwood credits much of her career growth to her education and experiences at CCM, which she describes as pivotal in shaping her leadership approach.

As executive director, Southwood spearheads strategic initiatives to strengthen AYPO's organizational structure and community engagement. Under her financial leadership, AYPO has seen significant growth, evolving from a 500,000 to a 1-million-dollar organization. One of her key goals is to make AYPO's programs more accessible to young musicians, regardless of financial barriers. This includes expanding scholarship offerings and continuing the impactful Music Buddies program. Southwood's financial acumen has allowed the organization to build a strong foundation for future development.

As AYPO looks forward to the future, Southwood is focused on community engagement and expanding partnerships. Her dedication to inclusivity, mentorship and music education is evident in her desire to make AYPO a welcoming space for all young musicians. Reflecting on her CCM experience, Southwood values the relationships and diverse perspectives she encountered during her studies. "For me, building bridges across a variety of experiences is vital", Southwood says, encouraging current students to take advantage of every meaningful opportunity.

CCM celebrates the inspiring work of its alumna and remains committed to supporting its graduates as they continue to make impactful contributions to the arts.