Tracy Hansen joins the SLSO as Chief Financial Officer
By Eric Dundon
As the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra begins its 147th season, a new leader is joining the organization to help shape its financial future.
Tracy Hansen, CPA, CPFO, has been named the SLSO’s Chief Financial Officer, bringing 25 years of strategic financial management experience across the nonprofit, government, real estate, and banking sectors. She succeeds Christine Shutt, who served as interim CFO beginning in February 2026.
Most recently, Hansen served as Director of Finance for the City of Des Peres, where she led the city’s financial operations, oversaw an annual budget of nearly $33 million, and advised the City Administrator, Mayor, and Board of Aldermen. Earlier, she served as Controller of Congregation B’nai Amoona in Creve Coeur.
At the SLSO, Hansen will lead the Finance and Administration team, overseeing responsibilities that extend well beyond the balance sheet. Reporting to President and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard, she will help guide the organization’s $38 million budget and long-term financial planning, as well as human resources and information technology.
Her arrival comes at an important moment for the orchestra, following the 2025 opening of the expanded and renovated Jack C. Taylor Music Center.
“Tracy Hansen brings outstanding strategic financial expertise to this position as the SLSO continues its forward momentum,” Bernard said, noting Hansen’s career-long focus on public service, stewardship, and aligning financial strategy with organizational mission.
For Hansen, that mission is central to the new role.
“I am thrilled to join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and excited to be part of an organization with such a remarkable history and a compelling future,” she said. Hansen added that she looks forward to helping sustain the financial and organizational foundation that will allow the SLSO to continue bringing music and meaningful experiences to the community “for generations to come.”
Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.
