New General Manager selected for Rochester Civic Music

(ABC 6 News) – The City of Rochester has hired Avital Rabinowitz as the new General Manager for Rochester Civic Music.

Rabinowitz takes over after the retirement of Steven Schmidt, who had led the department for over 20 years. Rabinowitz will join the City team on February 28.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Rabinowitz to the Rochester team. She joins a strong team of committed professionals in Civic Music who are hard at work preparing for the 2022 season, which includes the 30th Anniversary season of Down by the Riverside. Avital’s unique background, expertise and passion will serve our residents, businesses and visitors well," City Administrator Alison Zelms said.

The General Manager is responsible for providing ongoing leadership in the Civic Music department and creating opportunities for connection and engagement in the arts and cultural initiatives. This includes the ability to organize the evolution and expansion of diverse and impactful programming, increase and create collaborative and meaningful partnerships, and oversee the department budget and revenue-generating functions. Rabinowitz’ cooperative and inclusive leadership style was a signature aspect of her interview that will assure the vision, mission, and goals of the City of Rochester are advanced through Civic Music.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve the City of Rochester as General Manager for Civic Music. Rochester has long been a national leader in supporting music and the arts, to the great benefit of its citizens and visitors. I look forward to supporting that legacy by developing programs that enrich and enhance the Rochester community through music,” shares Avital Rabinowitz.

Rabinowitz joins the City from American Public Media, where she served as a Producer and Project Manager. She holds a Bachelors in Arts from Barnard College at Columbia University, a Masters of Arts & Cultural Leadership from the University of Minnesota and a Master in Business Administration from Capella University. Most recently, Ms. Rabinowitz served as a member of the Forecast Public Art Board of Directors, a Minnesota based non-profit.