Cynthia Steele

Director of Artistic Operations, Wintergreen Music 

Cynthia Steele brings over 25 years of experience in arts and orchestra management, most recently serving as Vice President of Operations at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that role, Cynthia led a thriving consulting practice, working with prominent arts organizations including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Threshold Acoustics, Washington Bach Consort, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the US Regional Arts Organizations. During this time, she also served as Executive Director of the National Society of Arts and Letters for over three years.

Earlier in her career, Cynthia spent more than 12 years as Orchestra Manager of the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. As member of the senior leadership team, she oversaw the orchestra's operations, including collective bargaining agreements, recordings, multimedia projects, and led the Orchestra’s domestic and international touring activities. She also directed the American Residencies Program, which brought the NSO to states across the U.S., with performances, arts education, and advocacy. Other notable projects included the National Conducting Institute, live television broadcasts from the U.S. Capitol on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, and collaborations with world-renowned artists.

Cynthia began her journey in arts management at the League of American Orchestras and went on to hold key positions such as Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Director of Operations and Artistic Administrator of The Florida Orchestra prior to joining the NSO.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Gordon College and a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from the Boston Conservatory. Based in Washington, DC, she enjoys spending time with her three teenagers, coaching fitness classes, traveling, and training for marathons and IRONMAN triathlons.