New hire/promotion
Talia Young succeeds Taneshia Nash Laird, who received nearly $15 million to restore the historic site during her 4-year tenure
October 31, 2022
Newark Symphony Hall (NSH), New Jersey’s largest black-owned arts and entertainment venue, has announced the appointment of Talia L. Young as interim CEO following the resignation of President and CEO Taneshia Nash Laird, who is stepping down next month after four years . With experience in public affairs, economic development and entrepreneurship, Young has served on the NSH board since 2014. The NSH board, led by Chairman Fayemi Shakur, is leading the search for a permanent CEO while working closely with Nash Laird and Young on the transition. to plan
“Having the opportunity to support Newark Symphony Hall in its transition is truly an honor. This legendary institution fueled my love of art from an early age,” Young said. “I am committed to restoring and revitalizing this great center, expanding its accessibility and community engagement, and strengthening its financial solvency going forward. I am grateful for Taneshia’s dynamic leadership and look forward to working with the board, staff, administration, community leaders and donors.”
Since taking over as superintendent in 2018, Nash Laird has successfully launched NSH’s $50 million 100th anniversary capital improvement campaign, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prudential contributed $2 million to the campaign, with $750,000 from the New Jersey Historic Trust and another $750,000 from the Mellon Foundation to develop the program department. Additionally, for the first time in decades, NSH received $5 million in the 2022 New Jersey state budget, increasing to $6 million in 2023.
“Taneshia has set us on a strong financial path to restore the historic building and cultural gem of Newark Symphony Hall,” said Shakur, chairman of the NSH board and director of arts and culture for the City of Newark. “With a deep understanding of NSH’s mission, values and priorities, Thalia will be an excellent interim executive director as we continue to raise funds, attract new programs and complete restoration in time for our 100th anniversary in 2025.”
Young has nearly 15 years of experience at NSH, including serving as vice president of public and government affairs at City National Bank of New Jersey, the state’s first black-owned and operated bank. She also served as a senior project and policy manager for the late U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. She is the CEO of Space 2 Create Social Impact Community Development Corporation, which works to advance economic justice and sustainability for communities of color. Young graduated from Hofstra University and recently received a certificate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Creative Placemaking.
“I would like to congratulate Talia L. Young on her new appointment as Interim CEO of Newark Symphony Hall,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, who is also commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “I look forward to supporting the continued relationship with Newark Symphony Hall through our affiliate, the New Jersey Historic Trust, which has already funded a preservation plan that helps guide future efforts to maintain, repair and restore the historic interior and exterior of this structure. With nearly 15 years of experience in public affairs, economic development and entrepreneurship, I am confident that Thalia will continue the momentum of restoring this wonderful 1920s city landmark.”
In 2022, NSH added several full-time employees, including the first-ever NSH Director of Development, Mack Graham; first director of communications and social impact Chris Sabin; first operations manager and acting manager Terry Brown; and First Finance and Administration Manager Ranesha Hunt.
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