Staff

Jennifer Cotner-Jones Headshot 2021

Jennifer Cotner-Jones

Executive Director

Jennifer Cotner-Jones 
Executive Director: Responsible for the day to day operations of the Springfield Symphony; primarily for planning organizational and operational needs of the business, organizing the resources to carry out those needs, directing the activities of the administrative staff and volunteers in accomplishing those needs and controlling the use of fiscal and human resources to ensure that the mission statement of the organization is achieved at all times.  

Jennifer Cotner-Jones joined the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in April 2019 as Executive Director.  Jennifer comes to SSO with over 20 years of non-profit experience. Her passion for serving others has provided her with vast experiences ranging from development, event planning, volunteer recruitment,  marketing, and donor relations.  Jennifer’s love of music and community brought her to the Springfield Symphony. In her down time, Jennifer enjoys watching Sci-Fi movies, helping her daughter in scholastic hobbies and interests, and playing in her church's bell choir. 

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 417-864-6683 EXT.

 

Connie Bell Headshot 2021

Connie Bell

Executive Assistant

Connie Bell  
Executive Assistant: Responsible for the day-to-day administration of all office, clerical and association activities. This includes accurate cash deposit records, reconciling deposits with Finance Manager, taking all season ticket orders, entering sponsorship and advertising contracts, all billing, sending thank you letters for fund drive, sponsorships and advertising pledges. Connie also acts as the liaison between Hammons Hall box office and the Symphony office. Her main objective for the organization is to provide excellent customer service to its sponsors and patrons.  

Connie joined the Symphony in July 2019 as a temporary Executive Assistant. She became a permanent employee in October 2019. Prior to working at the Symphony, Connie worked at a non-profit eating disorder facility in Indiana. She has also worked in the financial field assisting clients with their investment portfolios. Connie enjoys taking long walks, reading, cross stitching and having lunch with friends. 

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 417-864-6683 EXT.

 

Aleksis Zarins Headshot 2021

Aleksis Zarins

Operations Manager

Aleksis Zarins 

Operations Manager: The responsibility of the Operations Manager includes all duties of the personnel manager and librarian, as well as to act as the liaison between management and the musicians through the hiring of substitute and extra musicians; through the coordination of auditions; through accurate record keeping and through the interpretation and communication of all personnel related activities.  

Aleksis Zarins is a musician originally from Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from Parkview High School and moved to New York City to explore his passions in music and travel. After eight years of performing with various Broadway musical productions, he returned home to finish his college education at Missouri State University and share his love of music with the communities of Southwest Missouri. He is currently the operations manager at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and performs with numerous artistic organizations in the Springfield/Branson area. In his free time, Aleksis loves to explore art in nature and is thankful to be in an area rich with such opportunities. He is devoted to his darling Amy and in pursuing a future full of music performance and education in the Springfield metro area.

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 417-864-6683 EXT.

 

Kaitlyn Pack, Marketing Manager

Kaitlyn Pack

Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager: Responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating marketing campaigns for orchestra and special events, and maximizing the visibility of the orchestra, consistent with SSO policies and long-range goals. 

Kaitlyn Pack is the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Marketing Manager. Kaitlyn has a BA of Business in Marketing from Kennesaw State University and completed the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business certificate program while attending. During her time in college, Kaitlyn completed a marketing internship with Cobb Energy where she researched and created the layout and RFP for their website redesign. She also completed an internship with The Georgia Ballet where she continued to work for over 8 years with roles such as Administrative Manager and Marketing and Box Office Manager. After a brief break from the arts non-profit world she came back to work as the Operations Manager at Springfield Ballet until she moved to Springfield Symphony Orchestra in April of 2023. Kaitlyn enjoys art in all its forms and enjoys spending time with her husband, four cats, and dog.  

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 417-864-6683 EXT.

 

Photograph of Kay

Kay Wacasey

Events Coordinator

Events Coordinator: Responsible for office administrative duties, assisting at Symphony concerts and events, and working with other staff members on tasks such as fundraising, marketing, data entry, and various projects.

Kay Wacasey joined the Symphony in September 2021 and is excited to pursue new opportunities in the world of music. She currently attends Drury University and is working toward a B.A. in Arts Administration and Theatre with a focus on scenic design and painting. She appreciates all forms of art and music and in her spare time enjoys drawing, writing poetry, ice skating, and drinking lots and lots of coffee.

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 417-864-6683 EXT.