Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New CEO, Janette Brown

The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra (LSO) Board of Directors has named Janette Brown the new Chief Executive Officer of the LSO.

Brown’s experience as an arts leader in Indianapolis, combined with her passion for music and commitment to expanding access to the arts, will help advance the mission of the LSO, celebrating its 75th anniversary during the 2025–2026 season.

“We are excited to welcome Janette as our new CEO,” said Stacey Mickelbart, president of the LSO’s Board of Directors. “Her musical background and dedication to nonprofit arts organizations will help the LSO continue to engage audiences and inspire a love of music.”

Brown will assume the role on April 10, managing the day-to-day operations of the LSO and collaborating with the LSO’s new artistic director and conductor, Kellen Gray, to execute his artistic vision for the organization.

“I am honored to join the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and look forward to being part of the next chapter of its vibrant history,” said Brown. “Having already had the privilege of attending several LSO concerts, I’ve been inspired by the passion of the musicians and the enthusiastic support from the community. I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to continue bringing exceptional musical experiences to Lafayette.”

Brown currently serves as the grants officer for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, simultaneously working toward her master’s degree in philanthropic studies at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis. She previously served as executive director of the

Indianapolis Youth Orchestra and has long worked as an accompanist and private piano instructor after earning her BA in music performance.

Brown will introduce herself to the LSO audience at the April 12, 2025, Mainstage concert, “This Little Light of Mine,” which also features the LSO’s Keller Concerto Competition winners, highlighting young local soloists. She succeeds former CEO Sara Mummey, who served in the role for 14 years.

Founded in 1951 as a non-profit organization, the LSO is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Greater Lafayette community and 14 surrounding counties through musical excellence and educational experiences. Approximately 80% of its patrons are from Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County, with the remainder coming from Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tipton, Warren, and White counties.