New leader taking over for 70th season of Augusta institution

On Monday, a marketing professional takes over the Augusta Symphony and hopes to conduct herself in a way to lead her team into the 8th decade of music in Augusta.

“I was asked to apply for the position, and I can’t wait to get started. I feel like all my past experiences in marketing, business development, and being actively involved in the community will be extremely helpful,” Becky Dearden explained.

She previously served for eight years as the Marketing Director of SME CPAs, an accounting firm with offices in Augusta and Aiken.  While her new position may seem very different and in Dearden’s words “a big change in career path,” it feels like a perfect fit for her.

“Marketing is about networking, building relationships, and securing sponsorships. I live in North Augusta and love it. Now, I’m ready to spread that experience and love of community into helping build the future of the Augusta Symphony.”

She is currently serving as the Chair of the North Augusta Chamber, served as a Past Board Member and VP of Communications for the Association of United States Army Fort Eisenhower Chapter (AUSA), and is an alumna of the Leadership Augusta Class of 2022 and the Leadership Columbia County Class of 2020.

In recognition of her professional achievements and community service, Dearden has received several awards, including the 2021 Augusta Magazine Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch and the 2021 AUSA Third Region Outstanding Achievement Award.

“We have to grow the audience for the Augusta Symphony through diverse audiences, including young professionals, and that includes dressing up, dinner, and attending a concert.”

Dearden takes over the position from Anne Catherine Murray who served as the Executive Director for nine years. In late February, Murray was named Piedmont Augusta’s Executive Director of Philanthropy.

“In high school, I played xylophone which is the extent of my music proficiency, but like most people in the CSRA, I appreciate the gifts of the Augusta Symphony musicians. I love feeling the emotion of music. It gives back with happiness and well-being.”

That should be music to the ears of stressed business owners. For more information on the Augusta Symphony’s 70th season, click here.

Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.

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