Jazz St. Louis is stepping into a new era as Victor Goines concludes his tenure as President and CEO, a role he has held since September 2022. His departure reflects a personal decision to return his full focus to the work that has shaped his life for more than four decades: composing, performing, and expanding the language of jazz.
“Victor has helped guide Jazz St. Louis through an important period of artistic growth,” said Jazz St. Louis Board Chair Robert Steward. “He brought vision, artistic credibility, and a deep commitment to our community. We fully support his decision to devote more time to his work as a composer and recording artist, and we wish him continued success.”
Goines’ time at Jazz St. Louis was marked by a blend of artistic ambition and community‑rooted leadership. A world‑renowned saxophonist, clarinetist, and longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, he brought a national profile to the organization while staying deeply connected to St. Louis’ own jazz lineage.
His leadership emphasized original composition, educational expansion, and programming that honored the city’s cultural identity. That approach was on full display just days before the announcement, when the Jazz St. Louis Big Band debuted The MLK Suite—a sweeping nine‑movement work composed by Goines and performed to sold‑out audiences on February 20 and 21.
“Jazz tells the truth about who we are,” Goines told The American in 2023. “It carries our history, our struggle, our joy, and our imagination. When we play, we’re not just making music — we’re telling the story of our people.”
He also spoke about the vulnerability and discipline the art form demands.
“You can’t hide in this music,” Goines said last year. “Jazz asks you to show up fully — your discipline, your creativity, your humanity. That’s what makes it powerful.”
Those beliefs shaped his approach at Jazz St. Louis, where he championed programming that honored tradition while pushing the art form forward.
As a nonprofit organization, Jazz St. Louis is dedicated to advancing the uniquely American art of jazz through performance, education, and community engagement. The organization presents more than 270 performances annually in its internationally recognized concert series and supports emerging musicians through a three‑pronged approach: presenting jazz, encouraging future audiences, and nurturing budding artists. That mission—rooted in both artistic excellence and community connection—will continue to guide the organization through this transition.
To ensure continuity, the Board appointed two senior leaders to share executive responsibilities during the transition. Cynthia Danley, Director of Development, will serve as Co‑Interim Executive Director for Operations and Advancement, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and organizational strategy. Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Director of Education and Community Engagement, will serve as Co‑Interim Executive Director for Artistic and Community Programs, drawing on his decades as a jazz educator, performer, and community connector.
Together, Danley and Jackson will oversee operations, development, artistic programming, and community engagement—ensuring the organization’s core work continues without interruption.
Jazz St. Louis emphasized that it enters this transition from a position of strength, supported by a seasoned staff, strong community partnerships, and a clear artistic identity. The Board of Directors has launched a strategic leadership planning process that will guide the organization through the 2027 season and beyond. A Board‑led committee will evaluate leadership structure, operational needs, and long‑term goals before initiating a national search for permanent executive leadership.
“The Board is confident in the path forward and in the talented team who will lead this organization through this transition,” Steward said. “Our programming is resonating, our community engagement is deep, and our team is exceptional. This is an opportunity to be thoughtful and intentional about where we go next.”