MEGEN BALDA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
megen@gtcys.org
651.602.6802
As GTCYS’ Executive Director, Megen Balda is responsible for the administrative leadership of the organization. Megen works closely with Artistic Director Amir Kats and the Board of Directors to ensure GTCYS’ overall health and plan a sustainable future. She manages GTCYS’ administrative staff, oversees the finances, spearheads fundraising efforts, develops marketing strategies, and manages daily operations.
Megen has devoted her career to arts administration, specializing in operations, finance, and management. She joined GTCYS’ staff in 2003 and served in various staff roles before being promoted to Executive Director in 2011. Prior to her work with GTCYS, Megen held positions with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale.
Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Megen graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College, where she studied arts administration and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance under the study of Dr. John Ferguson. An accomplished freelance organist and accompanist, Megen won numerous competitions and has held positions at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. She is a 2010 alumna of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute through the Wilder Foundation. Megen resides in St. Paul with her husband Jon Kjarum.
MIRANDA BRYAN, OPERATIONS MANAGER
miranda@gtcys.org
651.602.6807
As Operations Manager, Miranda is responsible for the overall coordination of GTCYS’ orchestra activities, including rehearsals, concerts, auditions, retreats, and special events. Prior to coming to GTCYS, Miranda worked in the Music Organizations department at St. Olaf College and as the Coordinator of the Lanesboro Art Council. Miranda received a Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from Lawrence University Conservatory and a Master of Music in flute performance from the University of Minnesota. When she’s not at the office, Miranda is probably running, cycling, skiing, or spending time at her parents’ farm, Montgomery Orchard. She and her husband Joel live in Rosemount.
LAUREL KALLMAN, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
laurel@gtcys.org
651.602.6808
Laurel Kallman joined the GTCYS staff in August 2011. A native of Northfield, MN, Laurel graduated from Saint Olaf College with degrees in English and Management. She worked for three years as Administrative Assistant for composer Linda Tutas Haugen, where she was responsible for marketing, web development, music production, and customer relations. She also gained experience in Development and Event Planning at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where she organized donor cultivation events and helped implement annual fund campaigns.
A life-long lover of the arts, Laurel grew up playing the violin, piano and clarinet, and was an especially avid participant in choral ensembles. She sang for four years at Saint Olaf College, and hopes to join a choir in the Twin Cities soon. Laurel lives in Saint Paul, and in her free time enjoys cooking and baking, travel, good books, being outdoors, and fixing up her 1920s apartment.
STEVEN SAVRE, LIBRARIAN & PROGRAM ASSISTANT
steve@gtcys.org
651.602.6804
Steven Savre received his BA in music education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and an MM in oboe performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Active in freelance oboe performance for many years throughout the Twin Cities, Steve has also held part-time teaching positions at St. Olaf, the Minnesota Center for Arts Education, the College of St. Catherine, and Wayzata High School. From 2002 – 2009 Steve served as Assistant Librarian to the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Previously Steve worked as a buyer of instrumental music at Schmitt Music in Minneapolis; his extensive knowledge of orchestral music and strong interest in music education serve him well as GTCYS’ Orchestra Librarian, a post he has held since 1991. A resident of South Minneapolis, Steve is an avid wine enthusiast and makes semi-annual pilgrimages to Napa and Sonoma, California.