St. Louis Symphony Orchestra names Pamela Calero Wardell its Chief Philanthropy Officer
(June 1, 2026, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Pamela Calero Wardell as the institution’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, beginning July 20. Wardell succeeds arts consultant John Easley, who served in the position on an interim basis since July 2025.
Wardell most recently served as Vice President of Development for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. Prior to that position, she was the Senior Director of Development for the Jacksonville Symphony in Jacksonville, Florida. Wardell also led the Ocala (Florida) Symphony for ten years as its Executive Director, a position that led to the founding of the Reilly Arts Center, of which she also was the founding Executive Director.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. She is an alumna of the Anne Parsons Leadership Program of the League of American Orchestras (LAO) and also completed the LAO’s Essentials of Orchestra Management at The Juilliard School.
In her role, Wardell will report to President and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard, spearheading comprehensive fundraising strategies and programs across all levels of philanthropy, guiding the SLSO’s team in annual and corporate giving, and building the institution’s endowment through legacy and planned gifts.
Marie-Hélène Bernard, SLSO President and CEO, said, “I am delighted to welcome Pamela Calero Wardell to the SLSO. An exceptional leader, she brings deep experience and business acumen and an impressive track record in fundraising and campaigns in the orchestra industry. With the reopening of Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, she joins the SLSO at a pivotal time of institutional growth as the organization approaches its 150th anniversary.”
Pamela Calero Wardell, SLSO Chief Philanthropy Officer, said, “What drew me to the SLSO was not only its extraordinary artistic reputation, but the deep connection it shares with the community. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and the SLSO does that at the highest level. I’m excited to work alongside the SLSO team and partner with our donors and supporters to ensure the organization’s music, education, and community impact continue to grow. My family and I are eager to become part of this vibrant community and to call St. Louis home.”
Nancy Galvin, Chair of the SLSO Board of Trustees, said, “Pamela Calero Wardell has a strong knowledge of symphonic music and the orchestra industry, and her alignment with our mission makes her an ideal fit for the SLSO team and St. Louis. I look forward to partnering with her as we advance the philanthropic efforts of the SLSO.”
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