Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to announce that the Grant Park Music Festival has selected Anwar Nasir to serve as its next President and CEO, effective Fall 2026.

Nasir joins the Grant Park Music Festival from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) in New Orleans, where he served as Executive Director since 2021. During his tenure, he successfully oversaw the organization’s strategic vision, financial sustainability initiatives, and fundraising and advancement efforts. Under Nasir’s leadership, the LPO expanded audiences to near decade highs, created innovative collaborations with leading Louisiana artists, and celebrated its first GRAMMY Award, further elevating the orchestra’s national profile and impact across the region.

Prior to his tenure as the LPO’s Executive Director, Nasir served as Chief Revenue and Advancement Officer for the Omaha Symphony and worked in management roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl, and the Atlanta Ballet. He is the co-founder of the Black Arts Leadership Alliance, and serves on the board of directors of the League of American Orchestras.

Nasir received a bachelor’s degree in communication and rhetorical studies from Syracuse University and a certificate in nonprofit leadership from the Georgie Center for Nonprofits.

You can read the full press release here.

Ben Tobin led this search with Nella Young and Alaine Small.