Oklahoma City Ballet sends this information as posted below:
Oklahoma City, OK (February 24, 2025) – After nearly seven years of dedicated service, Jo Lynne Jones has announced her plans to retire as the John Kirkpatrick Executive Director of Oklahoma City Ballet at the conclusion of the fiscal year in June 2025.
Since joining the organization in February 2018, Jones has been a transformative leader, driving the growth and sustainability of Oklahoma City Ballet. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including navigating the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the Ballet not only survived but emerged stronger, with expanded programming, increased donor support, and a deepened commitment to the arts in the community.
“Leading Oklahoma City Ballet has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life,” said Jones. “Together, we have navigated immense changes: relocating to the spectacular Brackett Dance Center, doubling our budget, and setting a bold strategic vision for the future. Though I may be retiring, the Ballet will forever be my home, and my husband and I will continue to support it as dedicated donors, advocates, and patrons.”
Among her accomplishments, Jones has overseen significant organizational growth, fostered greater board engagement, and prioritized community outreach initiatives to bring ballet to diverse audiences. She also oversaw the launch of several innovative fundraising and marketing campaigns, which earned widespread recognition and contributed to the organization’s continued success.
“Jo Lynne’s impact on Oklahoma City Ballet has been extraordinary,” said Christopher Lloyd, past president of Oklahoma City Ballet. “Her passion, vision, and tireless dedication have left an indelible mark on our organization and the arts community as a whole. While we will miss her leadership, we celebrate her contributions and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Jones’ career reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication. With over 30 years of experience in communications, nonprofit development, and management, she has been a dynamic force for change and growth in Oklahoma City’s nonprofit sector. Before joining the Ballet, she held leadership roles at Infant Crisis Services and made her mark in broadcast journalism.
Jones’s role as Executive Director was endowed as the John Kirkpatrick Executive Directorship in honor of the organization’s co-founder, thanks to a generous gift from the Kirkpatrick Family
Fund. Her tenure has exemplified the spirit of this honor through her unwavering commitment to advancing the Ballet’s mission.
The Board of Trustees has formed a transition committee to begin the search for the next Executive Director. The position description and information on how to apply is available at www.okcballet.org/company/employment/.
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