WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Symphony has announced the upcoming retirement of President & CEO Merritt Vale, and the appointment of current Chief Operating Officer Amanda Norman as Vale’s successor. Vale recently shared with the board of directors her intention to retire effective January 1, 2026, marking the culmination of 27 years of service as the Symphony’s executive leader. 

Commenting about her tenure and retirement announcement, Vale said, “It has been the professional honor of my lifetime to serve the Winston-Salem Symphony. I have a world of confidence in the Winston-Salem Symphony’s future and its importance to our community, and as I shared with the board, I am completely confident that the time is right for an exciting and healthy transition to new leadership.” 

Vale joined the Symphony as interim general manager in August 1998, was promoted to executive director in May 1999, and to president & CEO in May 2010. Amanda Norman, the Symphony’s president & CEO-designee, has been a dedicated leader within the organization since 2017, initially joining as finance director, then subsequently named VP/chief financial & administrative officer in January 2022 and VP/chief operating officer in May 2024. 

Symphony Board Chair Jay Reed shared the following about Vale and her retirement announcement, “It has been a profound privilege to work alongside Merritt for more than two decades. Her tireless leadership, unwavering dedication, and genuine passion for our mission have not only strengthened the Winston-Salem Symphony but also enriched our entire community. Merritt’s vision and caring for her team have created a solid foundation of success that the organization can continue to build upon.” 

Driven by a passion for service and a firm belief in the power of music to inspire, comfort and bind a community, Vale’s tenure is noteworthy for a wide array of institutional accomplishments. Among the most notable are commitment to fiscal integrity, increasing the Symphony’s endowment by $5 million, guiding the Symphony through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding the Symphony’s musical and educational service to the community, leading three successful music director searches, and doubling musician-per-service pay rates. 

Norman will assume the role of president & CEO on January 1, 2026, succeeding Vale upon her retirement. Over the next ten months, Norman will collaborate closely with Vale to ensure a seamless leadership transition. 

“Following Merritt Vale’s amazing tenure, the Winston-Salem Symphony could not be better positioned by welcoming Amanda Norman as our next president and CEO,” added Reed. “Having worked closely with Amanda for nearly a decade, I have seen firsthand her exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and unwavering mentorship of the Symphony staff.” 

Vale shared, “It is profoundly gratifying that the next exceptional leader of the Winston-Salem Symphony comes from within the Winston-Salem Symphony team. I have had the distinct pleasure of working extremely closely with and mentoring Amanda, especially over the last five years. She possesses the breadth of professional and management experience necessary as president & CEO and will assume this role with a thorough understanding of the Symphony’s challenges and opportunities.” 

Prior to her eight years of service at the Winston-Salem Symphony, Norman accumulated over 18 years of experience in finance, tax and accounting, bringing a strong background in financial management and organizational development. She was instrumental in guiding the Symphony through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring financial stability, and implementing measures to sustain operations and support the organization’s long-term resilience. 

Of her appointment as president & CEO-designee, Norman said, “It is an incredible honor to assume the role of [resident & CEO and to continue my work with this remarkable organization. I look forward to building upon Merritt’s legacy and working alongside our talented musicians, dedicated staff, board of directors and the many community partners who make our work possible. Together, we will inspire and connect through the power of music while celebrating and preserving the rich history of our Symphony. My commitment is to harness the positive momentum we have gained and continue to create new opportunities for growth and innovation.” 

More on the Symphony’s announcement can be found at: wssymphony.org/press/Vale-Norman.