An acclaimed arts executive, Rose will assume the role as of October 15, 2025
New Music USA, the national nonprofit, has welcomed Vanessa Rose as its new President and CEO. She will succeed Vanessa Reed, who served the role from 2019 to 2025.
The international executive search to fill the role was conducted by HC Smith Ltd and led by a search committee chaired by members of the board.
Bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, Rose is also a classical violinist and studied performance at Indiana University, Eastman School of Music, Mannes College of Music, and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.
She has since served positions with the International Contemporary Ensemble, The Knights orchestral collective, Lark Play Development Center, and American Composers Orchestra.
Rose comes to New Music USA from the American Composers Forum, where she has been executive director since 2019. There, she oversaw a $1.8 million budget while driving programs to provide composers with resources and funding. Rose also served as board chair of the Performing Arts Alliance.
Her previous administrative experience includes positions at the Metropolitan Opera and League of American Orchestras, plus the League’s Orchestra Management Fellowship Program with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Elgin Symphony, and Aspen Music Festival and School.
At New Music USA, Rose will serve as chief strategist, fundraiser, communicator, and team leader, building upon the company’s national programs and partnerships.
Under Rose’s leadership, the nonprofit will continue building its $3.2 million annual operating budget and providing over $1 million in annual grant funding.
“Having worked alongside New Music USA for years, I’m thrilled to now join the organization at this exciting moment in its history,” Rose noted. “New Music USA has long been a vital national resource, and I’m honored to help advance its mission in this next chapter, empowering our dynamic community of artists and listeners.”
“Vanessa Rose’s appointment represents a natural evolution of her life’s work as a passionate advocate for composers and performers working in new music,” said New Music USA Board of Directors Co-Chair Anne-Marie Spataru. “Her proven ability to lead transformational change, build equity-centered programs, and expand organizational reach while maintaining deep community connections makes her the ideal leader to guide New Music USA into its next chapter of growth and national impact.”
“Vanessa’s unique combination of artistic background, executive leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to living composers makes her perfectly positioned to lead New Music USA forward,” added fellow co-chair and composer Juan Pablo Contreras. “Her vision for building community-centered, equitable practices in music creation and presentation aligns perfectly with our organization’s mission.”