Julianne Akins Smith
Executive Director, Wintergreen Music
Julianne Akins Smith began her position as Executive Director of Wintergreen Music in 2016. In this role, she has brought new perspective and direction to the organization by drawing upon the skills gained through her unique background. Julianne received her Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from The Ohio State University, where she studied tuba with her father, Principal Tubist of the Columbus Symphony, Jim Akins (retired). She went on to perform as principal, associate, and substitute tubist with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the Siena Summer Music Festival.
In 2010, Julianne moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she worked in artistic operations, box office management, marketing strategy, and business development for the Richmond Symphony. She improved artistic recording processes, championed programming analysis systems and musician-focused marketing campaigns, pioneered audience and branding research, and adopted a collaborative partnership and sponsorship method in business development. During her time there, she also completed her Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Richmond (UR). Julianne served as president of the University of Richmond Women’s MBA Association during the final year of her studies and frequently returns to UR to lecture in philanthropy, business marketing, and music undergraduate courses. Julianne continues to play tuba in freelance work and as a substitute for the Richmond Symphony.
Through collaborative leadership with Artistic Director Erin Freeman and the Board of Directors, Wintergreen Music has transformed as an organization, successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID environment, and has emerged poised and ready for continued growth. Julianne’s unique passion for perspective and a desire to create and understand a rich spectrum of “entry points” into the imaginative world of classical music continues to enrich the Wintergreen community. Under her leadership, Wintergreen Music has achieved record-setting ticket sales, individual giving totals, and grant support. She enjoys the opportunity to grow the capacity and reach of Wintergreen Music in partnership with musicians, volunteers, staff, students, community partners, and Wintergreen Resort, creating a cultural destination and musical retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Julianne’s favorite composer is Gustav Mahler, and she currently enjoys living at her country home outside of Richmond with her husband, Patrick, their lab, Tigger, and their toddler, Blanton.
