Richard R. Hoffert

Richard R. Hoffert was president and CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1999 until his retirement in 2005. As chief executive officer, his responsibilities included artistic and programmatic policies, long range planning, and operational, financial and administrative management. He oversaw the organization’s $28 million annual operating budget and $120 million endowment invested in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Foundation. Prior to Indianapolis, Hoffert was president of The North Carolina Symphony. While there, he was responsible for cooperating with the city of Raleigh to build a 1700 seat, $32 million Symphony Hall. The Orchestra also moved into a new $6 million award winning outdoor performing space in a suburb of Raleigh. Hoffert spent 14 years with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra where he served as vice president of development, managing all fund raising operations. Under his direction, the permanent endowment increased by $15 million and annual giving grew from $1 million to $6 million a year. Hoffert also stepped in as executive director for one year while St. Louis conducted a replacement search. Previously, he was director of development and marketing for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, assistant manager for Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University, and an instrumental high school music teacher. Since his retirement he has served as interim CEO of the Houston and San Antonio symphonies during CEO searches. A native of Bethlehem, PA, he is a graduate of Indiana University School of Music. He is married to Sylvia Hoffert, a distinguished professor of Women’s History. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.