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Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors Names Dr. Mary Palmer President

July 16, 2018

Broadway World Orlando

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The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors has named Dr. Mary Palmer President. Palmer, president of Mary Palmer and Associates, LLC., succeeds RK Kelley. Her two-year term begins July 1, 2018.

"Mary's leadership experience and extensive background in education and the arts will serve the orchestra well during these next critical and exciting years for our organization," said Christopher Barton, executive director. "We remain focused on enhancing our artistic excellence, expanding our regional presence, and performing in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts when it opens in 2020."

After serving as Professor of Music Education and Dean of the University of Central Florida College of Education, Palmer is now UCF Professor and Dean Emerita. She has served as President of professional organizations including MENC: National Association for Music Education Southern Division; VSA Arts of Florida; Florida Music Educators Association; and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education.

"I am honored to lead the board in its mission to enrich and inspire the diverse communities of Central Florida through the transformative power of live music," said Palmer. "In addition to our concert performances, we offer an array of education programs reaching people of all ages in our community - in schools, hospitals, arts centers, science centers, and senior centers."

Additional Philharmonic Board appointments include vice president and president-elect, Melody B. Lynch, Shareholder at Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed, P.A.; treasurer, community leader and retired Orange County Comptroller, Martha Haynie; and secretary, Jeffrey Moore, Dean, College of Arts and Humanities, University of Central Florida.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and comprised of accomplished musicians from around the world. The Philharmonic annually presents the FAIRWINDS Classics and Pops Series at Bob Carr Theater and its Sounds of Summer, Focus and Women in Song Series at The Plaza Live. Known for its artistic excellence and community collaboration, the Philharmonic presents more than 150 live concerts and impacts more than 70,000 children, youth and families annually through its Young People's Concerts, Symphony Storytime Series, Notes in Your Neighborhood program, and free outdoor community concerts. A resident company of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Philharmonic will perform in Steinmetz Hall when it opens in 2020. Learn more at OrlandoPhil.org.

Melody

Melody Lynch focuses her practice on probate, trust & fiduciary litigation, contested guardianships, and complex business disputes. Her MBA complements her law degree when she analyzes financial statements and handles other complicated issues involving assets. 

A significant portion of Melody’s practice is devoted to resolving conflicts among family members and other estate beneficiaries, fights over missing assets and property ownership, claims by or against fiduciaries, guardianship challenges, and other proceedings requiring the interpretation of wills and trusts. She frequently helps charitable organizations, foundations, trustees and other institutional beneficiaries of large estates navigate the probate process. Whether in or out of the courtroom, Melody handles these delicate – and often emotional – issues not just with legal proficiency but with compassion as well.  

Melody’s experience extends to other business disputes too, particularly in the employment law arena with matters involving restrictive covenants as well as non-compete and non-disclosure agreements. She has protected employers in a wide range of industries, including medical devices, pest control, physicians and physician practices. 

In addition, she is a Guardian ad Litem for the Legal Aid Society where she represents the interests of abused and neglected children. She also is a pro bono attorney for Seniors First where she represents the interests of indigent elderly wards. 

The court room isn’t the only stage on which Melody has appeared. Before pursuing her career in law, Melody attended college on a ballet scholarship and was an apprentice dancer with a professional ballet company. A native of Orlando, her passion for both the arts and the area informs her leadership roles in the Central Florida community. She serves as president-elect of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, was named to the prestigious Orlando Business Journal’s "40 under 40" list, and was awarded the Presidential Leadership Award by the Orange County Bar Association. 

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