The Mobile Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Stephen Hedrick has accepted the position of Executive Director. Hedrick, a former Disney executive, will head up the symphony's administration, creative and strategic development. "We are very pleased to have found someone with Mr. Hedrick's background and extensive experience to join our team," said Celia Mann Baehr, board chair of Mobile Symphony.

After a national search by The Catherine French Group, the Mobile Symphony search committee decided on Hedrick because of his wide-ranging experience in the arts. "Though I have worked in all facets of the arts, symphonic music will always be my passion," he said. "As Leonard Bernstein said, ‘life without music is unthinkable.' And I firmly believe that he speaks for all of us. A shared love of music can bring together and strengthen a community. It is my hope that I can help this wonderful symphony continue to blossom and ensure that great music remains a vital part of Mobile for years to come."

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Hedrick began his life in the performing arts as a child actor. He moved to New York and spent his early career as a singer, dancer, and actor in musical theatre, summer stock, and with the national touring company of West Side Story.

Hedrick also developed his talents in the performing arts backstage by serving as a recording producer for symphonic soundtracks with the Seattle and London Symphonies and working both in Alabama and New York as a scenic and lighting designer, company manager, stage manager, and tour manager.

From 1982 to 2002, Hedrick worked for Walt Disney companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He began his tenure as manager of talent booking and casting for Walt Disney World in Orlando. Promoted to producer, Hedrick was responsible for the development of entertainment facilities and shows for the Disneyland Paris Resort, including the critically acclaimed Buffalo Bill Wild West arena facility and show. As senior producer for Walt Disney World Entertainment, he was the creative team leader in charge of new entertainment for the Disney Company worldwide. Hedrick then served as executive producer for creative entertainment at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California. He also served as both executive producer and project director of entertainment for Disney's $3.2 billion theme park in Tokyo, DisneySEA.

Most recently he has served as CEO of ShoBiz Creative Inc. and director of production for the Glendale Symphony Orchestra in California.

Hedrick and his wife, Diane, have two grown sons. They first met as actors in New York City in 1976, when they were both cast in a summer stock production of Li'l Abner.

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