The CJO Names New Executive Director

Lenora Inez Brown, CJO Executive Director

At the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s 2026 Annual Meeting, the board unanimously voted to name Lenora Inez Brown its next Executive Director. The Search Committee conducted a months-long search.

"Lenora’s experience in arts administration, and her stellar work as interim Executive Director cemented our belief that she is uniquely positioned to lead the CJO into a new era," said George Carr, who chaired the search committee and was recently elected Board President. Current CJO Board President Eric Daniel, Partner in the Admiralty & Maritime practice at Thompson Hine, will step down June 30.

Brown served as Interim Executive Director since January. During her brief tenure she led efforts to manage and significantly reduce the deficit, secured a year-long residency for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at The Sixty6, and increased ticket sales to reach pre-COVID levels.

“The CJO is a vibrant organization with strong board and community support. When the music swings, it really swings. This is a pivotal time for all performing arts organizations. I am excited to lead the CJO in its next steps. I’m truly excited to continue the work we began when I joined the organization in January.”

Brown brings over 30 years of arts administration to the role. She began her career developing new plays at various regional theatres. When she returned to Cleveland she built and directed community and civic programs for the Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Leadership Center. She holds an MBA from Cleveland State University, an MFA from the Yale University’s David Geffin School of Drama and a BA from Dartmouth College. She serves as Governance Chair for Assembly for the Arts and co-chairs the Advocacy committee for the Women’s Council at the Cleveland Museum of Art. 

"The CJO's portfolio has expanded tremendously in recent years,” Carr added, “with notable expansions of our educational programming and community outreach activities. Under [Lenora’s] guidance and leadership, the CJO is well positioned to protect Cleveland's important position in jazz history as our remarkable orchestra enters its fifth decade."