Apr 29, 2015 2 min read

Washington Symphony Orchestra has hired the first full-time employee in the nonprofit organization’s 13-year history, and is also taking steps to establish its first office location.

The organization this month named Adam J. Shaffer of Hempfield Township as its general manager.

“I see myself as a nonprofit management expert and not a symphony expert,” said Shaffer, the former executive of Westmoreland County Arts and Heritage Festival.

The symphony has been relying on volunteers to manage the organization, and they were becoming overwhelmed with the responsibilities. The position was created under the findings of a consultant who concluded the symphony could afford to hire a manager.

Shaffer, a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, said he has several objectives, which include seeking individual and corporate donors, grant writing and increasing awareness of the symphony.

The symphony seats about 65 musicians at its concerts, which typically draw an audience of 700 people.

Shaffer said he applied for the position because he was working two jobs and wanted to spend more time with his family.

“I was looking for a new start,” he said.

He said he reached out to Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in the area and offered veterans free tickets to attend the symphony.

“Shaffer is uniquely qualified to manage the orchestra staff and operations while supporting the (symphony’s) mission to entertain, educate and inspire the community with excellent musical performances,” said Mary Courtney, president of the symphony’s board of directors.

The organization is expected to announce the location of its Washington office by the end of May.