(Peoria, Ill.) – ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. announced today that Jennifer Gordon, a native of the Peoria area, has accepted the position of executive director of the organization, effective April 1, 2015.
Most recently, Gordon (maiden name VonBehren) lived and worked in New York City serving as manager for the Concert and Artist department with Steinway & Sons – Americas, the renowned, award-winning piano company founded in 1853. During her tenure with Steinway & Sons, she was involved in numerous facets of the operation of the company, serving as artist relations liaison for over 800 Steinway artists based in the Americas and representing the company at international piano competitions and music festivals throughout the country.
“My time with Steinway & Sons provided me with invaluable experience working and building relationships with a wide variety of organizers, venues, and incredible artists from around the world,” Gordon said. “As executive director for ArtsPartners, I look forward to my past experiences enabling me to better serve the promotion of great art in Central Illinois.”
Born and raised in Peoria, Gordon studied violin at the Interlochen Arts Academy and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of arts degree in music emphasizing violin performance. In addition to being active in the performing arts while residing in New York, she was involved with several arts organizations while living in the Peoria area, including among others: the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Opera Illinois, Peoria Players Theatre, Peoria Municipal Band, the Peoria Park District and Cornstock Theatre and Winter Playhouse.
“Peoria has such a rich heritage as a destination for artists and audiences,” Gordon said. “Personally, my own love and enthusiasm for the arts was cultivated growing up here. I’m honored to join ArtsPartners and contribute to and help build the already vibrant platform for the arts in Peoria.”
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. promotes the arts as a vital component of central Illinois’ cultural and economic development. Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts as an economic catalyst for the Peoria area.