Ballet Memphis is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Goldberg as its first Executive Director, following a national search conducted by ThinkingAhead Executive Search. Goldberg brings more than two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit arts organizations. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of External Affairs at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, where he led a 17-person team overseeing contributed and earned revenue, helping grow the company’s budget by 40 percent over five seasons.

Prior to Ballet West, Goldberg served for over a decade as Vice President of Marketing at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, where he oversaw 90+ programs annually. His earlier career also includes leadership positions at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Florida Grand Opera, Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Ill.

Ballet Memphis will now move forward under a dual leadership model where Goldberg, as Executive Director, will oversee the administrative and operational functions of the organization. At the same time, Artistic Director Steven McMahon will continue to lead the artistic vision and programming.

“We are thrilled with the appointment of Andrew and the next era for Ballet Memphis. His depth of knowledge and audience development skills from such a wide range of arts institutions will serve us, and all of Memphis, well,” said Shelley Shanaman, Chair of the Ballet Memphis Board of Directors.

Artistic Director Steven McMahon added, “It was clear that Andrew possessed the energy and passion for collaboration and all the things that a strong arts organization can bring to its city. I look forward to shepherding the legacy of Ballet Memphis with him, as we approach our 40th anniversary next season, and well beyond.”

Goldberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from the University of Illinois and has earned multiple certifications in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. He has been recognized nationally for his achievements, including being named the American Marketing Association’s Nonprofit Marketer of the Year.

“It's an honor to join such a storied institution,” shared Goldberg. “The search committee, the Board of Directors, and everyone I’ve met have been so great in sharing their stories about this amazing city and Ballet Company, and my family and I look forward to creating our own stories in Memphis soon.”

Goldberg will begin his tenure at Ballet Memphis on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.