Trudi Jackson has been named Executive Director of the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. She replaces Ruth Brewster, who is retiring this summer after holding the position since 1993.

Jackson has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has worked in marketing and computer networking systems in California, Sweden and Washington state.  Additionally, she has been active with the Bellevue Schools Foundation for 10 years, most recently as board president.She also serves on the Bellevue Arts Commission.  T

During her tenure, Brewster has seen the orchestra grow from 35 students to over 600 with six orchestras and three weeks of summer camp.

“For many of us, Ruth is BYSO, so the thought of finding a replacement was daunting,” said Melissa Heilweil, assistant for development. “There aren’t a lot of people who could create a seamless transition from over 20 years of continuous management for a growing non-profit organization of our size.  The BYSO board of directors did an excellent job of finding someone who is highly capable of doing just that.”

Jackson said she has seen firsthand the difference music can make in a child’s life.

“I am thrilled to be able to carry on the Bellevue Youth Symphony tradition of focusing on the children, and supporting them as they grow as musicians and young people in our community.”

The youth symphony will next perform at the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th on stage before and during the fireworks display in Bellevue Downtown Park.  More information about BYSO is available at byso.org.