Karen Thompson is serving her 7th season as CEO of the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. She also served as board president from 2015–19.

A long time resident of the South Shore, Thompson was drawn to ASO’s excellence and the value it brings to the region. She initiated and led the young orchestra through a 3-year “refresh” in 2016, updating infrastructure and business practices, improving communications and donor care, and growing ASO’s audience, outreach, and partnerships.

During that period, she invited in the first of a new cohort of ASO’s Board of Directors, who have taken the mantle of strategically leading “next level” development for the organization and board, itself — ensuring ASO’s continued health and longevity.

Thompson is a graduate of Boston and Harvard Universities and has served in leadership roles on a number of professional, community & non-profit boards. Prior to ASO, she was a senior level management consultant with over 25 years of experience in content and product development, data analysis, strategy, and team management. She has a background in learning theory and experience in marketing, copywriting, staff training, teaching, and administration.