MATTHEW B. LESTER APPOINTED DSO CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEES
DETROIT, (March 13, 2014) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) Chairman of
the Board of Directors Phillip Wm. Fisher recently announced the appointment of Matthew B. Lester as the next chair of the DSO’s Board of Trustees. He succeeds Michael J. Keegan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability Officer at Chrysler Group LLC. Keegan, who continues in his role as Vice Chair of Strategy and Innovation for the Board of Directors, concurrently served as Trustees Chairman during the body’s inaugural year with a charge to build a diverse membership and identify a successor to shepherd the Board of Trustees’ portfolio of strategic initiatives. Lester was the DSO board leadership’s unanimous choice to serve in that role.
“I am excited and honored to take on the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the DSO since it is truly one of the great orchestras in the world and an icon in the City of Detroit,” said Lester. “I look forward to working with the distinguished group that makes up the trustees of the DSO. Music lovers and anyone just have to attend a concert or DSO event to feel the joy and lasting effect of our beloved orchestra.”
“Matt will be able to draw on his deep historical ties to the DSO, as well as his recent successes in leading our Next Generation Committee as he takes on this important new position,” said Anne Parsons, DSO President and CEO. “I want to thank Mike Keegan for his role in establishing the Trustees as a forward thinking governing body, focused on innovation, creativity and productivity at the DSO.”
The Board of Trustees is one of three governance bodies within the DSO organization: a group of 75 of Detroit’s best and brightest minds charged with infusing creative thinking and innovation into how the DSO strives to achieve both artistic vitality and organizational sustainability.
ABOUT MATTHEW B. LESTER
Matthew B. Lester graduated from the University of Michigan in 1987 with a bachelor degree in history and from the University of Southern California in 1990 with a law degree. Mr. Lester is qualified to practice law in the state of Michigan and is a member of the bar in good standing. After graduation, Mr. Lester joined the law firm of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C. and developed a successful litigation and real estate practice. While engaged in the practice of law, Mr. Lester initiated his real estate investment career and made his first successful acquisition.
In 1994, Mr. Lester founded Princeton Enterprises, L.L.C., a privately held real estate investment company based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan that owns and operates a commercial investment portfolio consisting primarily of multifamily housing and office buildings. To date, Mr. Lester and his various partners have acquired over 100 properties with an aggregate value of $800 million. Today, he owns and operates a portfolio of more than 18,000 apartment units as well as office, medical, storage, and other commercial facilities located throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
ABOUT THE DSO
The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in December 2012, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12thMusic Director of the DSO during the 2008-09. Acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik serves as Principal Pops Conductor while celebrated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. The DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall and the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.
