The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, operator of The Plaza Live music venue (425 N Bumby, Orlando) and support organization to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, has announced the appointment of RK Kelley as Project Executive for the Plaza Renovation. At the request of the Plaza Board, Kelley will take on a short-term full-time leadership role of the project, overseeing the staffing and integration of Design, Fundraising, Community Engagement and Operational Planning.
“Over the past eighteen months, preliminary plans have been organized and initial designs drawn up for the future renovations, but it is now time to dramatically accelerate and integrate those efforts,” said Candice Crawford, President of the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation Board. “RK was our obvious choice for this crucial organizing step, with her broad entertainment industry and project executive background, combined with a deep understanding of — and affinity for — the Orlando Philharmonic and The Plaza Live.”
Kelley has served in a variety of Board leadership positions for both the Plaza Foundation and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, including serving as the Orchestra’s President during 2015-2017, which culminated in the successful 25th Anniversary Gala and concert with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. During her twenty-five year career at the Walt Disney Company, Kelley held a wide variety of production and operational executive roles, including the conceptualization and production of Disney Cruise Line’s ground-breaking entertainment programming, oversight of some of the world’s largest entertainment operations, and strategic integration and support of sites worldwide.
“The Plaza Live is such a unique facility, so full of potential and anchored by a rich history as one of the original hallmarks of the Orlando entertainment scene,” said RK Kelley. “What an absolute privilege to work with our team and the community to build the vision and support that will define the next great chapter in The Plaza Live’s story!
In Spring of 2019, The Plaza Live renovation project for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra was awarded a $10 million grant from Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds, with the support of Orange County and City of Orlando leadership. The first phase of the grant ($3M) was awarded in the Fall of 2019 and the ownership transfer to the City of Orlando is complete. Additional county and private funds will contribute towards the renovation beginning in 2021.
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