Meet GTCYS Staff Members
Megen Balda, Managing Director
As GTCYS’ Managing Director, Megen Balda is responsible for the administrative leadership of the organization. Ms. Balda works closely with Artistic Director Amir Kats and the Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s 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 of the organization and its programs.
Ms. Balda has devoted her career to arts administration, specializing in operations, finance and management. In 2003, she joined GTCYS’ staff as the Operations Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 2005, before being named Managing Director in September 2008. Prior to her work with GTCYS, Ms. Balda held positions with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale.
Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Ms. Balda 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 (Minneapolis) and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Saint Paul). Ms. Balda served on the Twin Cities American Guild of Organists (AGO) Program Committee for three years and has been a member of the Professional Development Committee since 2001. She resides in St. Paul with her husband Jon Kjarum and black lab Al.