Rome Symphony Orchestra welcomes new general manager

Thursday, April 3, 2025–10:25 a.m.

-News Release-

The Rome Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is pleased to formally introduce Lucy Coyle as its new general manager.

Lucy joined the organization in the fall of 2024 and immediately hit the ground running, working closely with longtime volunteer Barb Beninato to ensure a smooth transition into the role.

Originally from Texas, Lucy relocated to Rome nine years ago to be closer to family. She brings a wealth of experience in marketing, administration, and client relations, along with a deep passion for the local arts. Her professional background spans multiple industries and sectors, where she has excelled in leadership roles emphasizing strategic planning and operational efficiency. Lucy holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in marketing and management from Jacksonville University in Florida.

“We are very excited to welcome Lucy to the RSO family,” said Jeffrey Dokken, Music Director and Conductor of the Rome Symphony Orchestra. “We did our due diligence to identify a candidate with the right qualifications who would be the right fit, and we are confident we’ve found her.”

Gayland Cooper, immediate past president of the Symphony’s board of directors and part of the search committee, echoed this sentiment:

“We were very pleased to find Lucy and have her join us. With her prior experience working with nonprofits, she will be very adept at managing the Rome Symphony Orchestra’s office and facilitating interactions with the community.”

As general manager, Lucy is responsible for overseeing administrative, fundraising, and strategic planning efforts that support the Symphony’s mission, working closely with the music director and board of directors.

The organization invites the community to extend a warm welcome to Lucy and looks forward to her leadership as RSO continues to bring outstanding musical performances to Rome and Floyd County.

 “With Lucy’s help and guidance, we know that our organization is set up for success, and our patrons will continue to enjoy the first-class entertainment they expect from us,” added Dokken.

Lucy Coyle maintains regular work hours at the RSO office at Serve Rome (inside Rome First United Methodist Church) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The RSO’s current “That’s Entertainment” season continues with a special three-performance presentation of “The Pirates of Penzance” in collaboration with the Rome Shakespeare Festival, April 18–19 at the Rome City Auditorium, followed by the “Bridgerton: Music in the Garden” concert on June 7 at Darlington School.

For more information about the Rome Symphony Orchestra or to purchase concert tickets, visit www.RomeSymphony.org or call 706-291-7967.