Kayla Adelman, Marketing Manager: Kayla is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a B.S. in International Business. She officially joined the Portland Symphony Orchestra in September of 2018 after volunteering with them over the course of the year. Kayla grew up right outside of Portland and decided to come back to Maine after spending her college years in South Carolina because she missed having all four seasons. She has always had a passion for music, beginning with piano lessons when she was a kid.
Derek Beckvold, Executive Director: Derek is an arts leader, social entrepreneur, creativity educator, and multi-instrumentalist musician who has performed, taught, and implemented music programs in over 25 countries across five continents.
He comes to the Portland Symphony Orchestra from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), where he most recently held the position of Managing Director, overseeing all aspects of the organization's two award-winning orchestras. He previously served roles as the BPO’s Development Director and Education & Community Engagement Manager.
He is on the faculty at New England Conservatory (NEC) in the Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department. He is also the Co-Founder of the international music education nonprofit, Teach To Learn, which has supported musicians in over 40 countries. He frequently consults with organizations and institutions on music education, and has been invited to present on music by institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian Institution, and the US State Department.
He received a BM in Saxophone Performance from NEC, an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute, was a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar in India, and is a graduate of the Essentials of Orchestra Management program through the League of American Orchestras and Juilliard.
McKenzie Blanchard, Director of Learning & Community Impact: McKenzie joined the PSO staff in June 2023. Before settling in Maine, McKenzie was an elementary music educator in the Nashua Public Schools in Nashua, NH where she taught Kindergarten through Fifth Grade general music and directed two choirs. McKenzie received her Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of New Hampshire following a year-long internship in the Portland Public Schools. She also received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, McKenzie directed a local children’s choir in Durham, NH and participated in the UNH Music Crew Fellowship program. She always felt called to come back to Maine, where she grew up, and is passionate about giving back to the community that raised her. In her free time, McKenzie enjoys being outside, especially at by ocean, and spending time with her family.
Andrea Cole, Donor Relations & Database Manager: Andrea joined the PSO staff in January 2023. She previously served as donor database manager at other Portland-area nonprofits, most recently at The Opportunity Alliance, and for several years at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. When not delving into databases, Andrea loves to create music and has sung with various musical groups in Maine.
Chandler Crawford, Special Events & House Manager: Chandler is thrilled to be joining the Portland Symphony Orchestra, one of the premier orchestras in the country, and to be part of such a vibrant artistic community. Chandler recently relocated to Topsham, Maine after spending 34 years in the South, where he developed a deep appreciation for the arts and community engagement. He now shares life here with his partner, Alice, and their wonderful Doberman, Kira.
Chandler’s background spans theatre arts, creative writing, photography, and hospitality—fields that have all shaped his creativity, adaptability, and love for bringing people together. He’s especially excited to combine these experiences with his work at the PSO, supporting its mission of sharing world-class music with the community.
When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find Chandler on the basketball court, playing Dungeons & Dragons, perhaps doing some improv comedy, singing (badly) while strumming his guitar, or exploring Maine’s natural beauty with Alice and Kira.
Lucas Goodman, Librarian: Lucas joined the PSO staff as the Orchestra's Librarian in the summer of 2023. He has previously worked in the libraries of the Henry Manicini Institute at the Frost School of Music, The Orchestra Now at Bard College, and Cape Symphony. Having received his Bachelor and Master's in Music Performance from the Eastman School of Music, Lucas maintains an active life of performing as a violist, having appeared in orchestras such as the Rochester Philharmonic, The Orchestra Now, the Hartford Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, and Cape Symphony in venues such as Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, Symphony Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The Fisher Center at Bard.
Outside of music, Lucas is a huge sports fan, and can often be found catching a Bruins or Patriots game. He also loves to cook, especially experimenting with new dishes from Asian countries.
Liz Kane, Director of Artistic Operations: Liz Kane joined the PSO staff in July 2024. Originally from Massachusetts, she began her administrative career as a PSO intern for the 2011-12 season. After that she worked for Groton Hill, Boston Youth Symphonies, Boston Ballet, and Central Square Theater before pursuing a Master’s degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon (CMU). Although she started off her career first as a horn player, Liz quickly found that admin was a way that she could contribute to many aspects of an organization which is why she sought to increase her knowledge of non-profit management with additional education. While living in Pittsburgh, she worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony and ran CMU’s Arts Management & Technology blog. After graduation, Liz began working for the Seattle Symphony where she was promoted to Personnel Manager in 2021.
When she’s not at the hall or in the office, Liz enjoys gardening, going for walks, and making jewelry. She’s also a big fan of novels, single malt whiskey, and bread baking. She’s so excited to be back near the Maine beaches, especially in the off-season.
Matt LaBerge, Education Program Coordinator: Matt officially joined the PSO staff in July 2025. Born and raised in South Portland, Maine, Matt LaBerge has traveled all throughout the United States and internationally for his career as a music director, composer/lyricist, singer/actor, and educator, working for some of the nation’s leading arts organizations, including local favorites such as the Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine State Music Theatre, and what he lovingly refers to as his “musical home”, the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO).
Since 2016, Matt's work with the PSO has seen him teach, direct, perform for, and connect with tens of thousands of people annually through his time as the Narrator of School and Family Programs, as a featured guest artist on Pops and Classical Concerts, as a scriptwriter and curriculum consultant, and as Director of the PSO Children's Chorus. Starting in the summer of 2025, Matt officially joined the PSO staff as the Education Program Coordinator where he is thrilled to be continuing the majority of the work he's been doing at the PSO for nearly a decade and so much more!
Matt holds a B.M. in Music Education and a B.A. in Music with a focus in voice, theater, and music composition from the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. In addition to his work for the PSO, Matt is the Chorus Teacher at Scarborough Middle School where he directs over 150 students in grades 6-8.
Dalton Kimball, Production Manager: Dalton Kimball joined the PSO staff in September 2025. Dalton was born and raised in Maine and has a traditional theatre background. Dalton studied theatre at the University of Southern Maine which is where he honed his craft of acting, stage management, and stagecraft. He has been a member of IATSE Local 114, Maine’s stagehand union, for 6 years, however, the first time he worked a PSO load-in was roughly a decade ago.
Rachel Klein, Executive Assistant & Office Manager: From an early age, Rachel was captivated by live performances, always wondering how the magic happened behind the scenes. That curiosity led her to earn a B.A. in Theatre Production Management from Emerson College. While in school Rachel worked as House Manager at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, with Blue Man Group Boston at the Charles Playhouse, and in the box office at Boston's Wang and Shubert Theatres.
Rachel followed her dream to Broadway, joining one of the industry's largest producers launching her touring career as Sponsorship Production Manager for Nickelodeon's Rugrats: A Live Adventure. She spent the next two decades on the road managing large-scale productions and managing sponsorship contracts for artists including Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, later serving as Company Manager for STOMP's Boston production. Along the way, she founded Creative Touring, a marketing and production agency specializing in live events, experiential marketing, and touring artists.
When the pandemic hit, a new chapter in life brought Rachel off the road. Now, she is grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the performing arts in a new way. She is honored to serve the Portland Symphony Orchestra and is deeply committed to supporting its mission and ensuring the arts continue to inspire and enrich the community for generations to come.
Erin Marc-Aurele, Executive Major Gifts Officer: Erin joined the PSO staff in September of 2024. She attended DePaul University in Chicago to earn her B.M. in Performing Arts Management, which allowed her to continue her studies in classical trumpet and explore how arts organizations are run. While there, she interned with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The World Music Foundation. For the last several years, she worked as a Project Manager in video production and digital marketing.
Having grown up in Midcoast Maine, Erin is thrilled to be a part of the PSO to connect with her community. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her two cats.
Sarah McCullough, Graphic Designer: Sarah joined PSO staff in October 2018. Before joining PSO staff Sarah was a professional screen printer and Art Director for a local print house. In 2014 Sarah graduated from the University of Southern Maine, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a dual concentration in printmaking and drawing. As a recipient of the USM Printmaking discipline award and the Peregrine Press Kate Mahoney & Marcia M. Carner Award Sarah was granted a one-year membership with Peregrine Press. Born and raised in Maine, Sarah is an avid lover of the outdoors, backpacker, runner, and rock climber.
Allison Page, Director of Marketing & Communications: Allison joined the staff in December 2022. Previously, Allison was part of the marketing and e-commerce team at Sea Bags, specializing in marketing strategy, digital, content, and social media marketing. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Music with a concentration in vocal performance. Allison also serves on the Board of the Portland Conservatory of Music. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and taking advantage of the local restaurant scene.
Grace Reynolds, Annual Fund Coordinator: Grace joined the Portland Symphony Orchestra in 2026 as Annual Fund Coordinator. Before joining the PSO, she worked at the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, where her role evolved from marketing and communications into development. She believes meaningful relationships are at the heart of philanthropy and enjoys helping people feel more connected to the organizations and causes they care about
Sara Hallie Richardson, Education Program Manager: Raised in mid-coast Maine, Sara Hallie Richardson has worked as a singer/songwriter in Portland, Maine for many years performing and writing music through folk, indie, and electronic styles. With a BA in vocal performance from the University of Maine, Richardson has received honors such as the Dean's Award for Research and Creative Achievement and the Outstanding Achievement Award in Arts and Communication Media.
After performing her original work with the Portland Symphony Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium in 2016, Richardson moved to Los Angeles to continue her growing career as a singer and songwriter where she worked alongside her idols, was hired by world-renowned producers, and gained recognition for her songwriting.
After those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, she couldn’t be happier to be back home and land her dream job as the Annual Fund Manager for the PSO!
Leah Robertson, Director of Development:
Leah joined the Portland Symphony Orchestra in January 2010, having previously worked in the Development Offices of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Outside of the PSO, Leah spends her time volunteering in the community with the Junior League of Portland, and has served as the Community VP and Public Relations VP on the Junior League Board. Leah is a graduate of Colby College with a double major in Art History and Studio Art. She served as captain of the 2003 Women's Crew team that won Colby’s first ever NCAA team championship.
Jennie Ryan, Director of Finance & Administration: Jennie is the Director of Finance and Administration for the Portland Symphony Orchestra, bringing over 3 decades of experience in finance, accounting, human resources, and operations management. She joined the PSO in December 2022.
Prior to her role at the PSO, Jennie held senior leadership positions across a variety of industries, including legal services, real estate, public accounting, and senior living management. She also runs her own financial practice, advising clients on financial and operational matters.
Jennie holds a B.A. in Economics and Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
She lives in Brunswick with her husband Tim and their beloved (and spoiled) dog, Keeley. An engaged community member, Jennie has dedicated over a decade of service to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, contributing in a variety of board and committee roles.
Katie Schraeder, Grant Writer: Katie joined the PSO staff as a part-time grant writer in 2024. As a freelance trombonist, she also performs regularly in pit orchestras, chamber ensembles, and big bands throughout Maine and New Hampshire, and her online private teaching studio is comprised of brass players of all ages from around the country. Katie holds a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education from East Tennessee State University and a master's degree in trombone performance from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Katie also enjoys reading, crafting, snowboarding, and spending time with her cats.
Alyson Spencer-Reed, Finance Manager: Alyson grew up in Harrison, ME and graduated from Dartmouth with a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. For most of the next decade she worked in social services, first with emotionally disturbed adolescent girls in MA and later with homeless women and children in the San Francisco Bay Area. She then made a move to administrative work, starting as office manager at a small educational services firm, working her way up to Director of Finance and Administration, and remaining with the company for nearly 20 years. In 2011, halfway through this time, she moved back to Maine with her wife and two young children to be close to family.
Music has always been an integral part of Alyson’s life. Coming from a musical family, she is a lifelong trombone player and loves to sing. In 2021, while looking for a way to put her skills and strengths to use at a mission-focused organization making a meaningful contribution to the lives of folks here in Maine, she found the Finance Coordinator position with the PSO. She is delighted to have joined this terrific team!
Alyson is a genuine people-lover and enjoys cooking, gardening, being outdoors, building sets with her local children’s theater program, and engaging in antiracism work in her community.
Martin Webster, Orchestra Personnel Manager: Martin moved to Portland in 2016 after living for many years in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and working as personnel manager and librarian of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. He and his husband Jered Egan also operated the West Branch House B&B in Delhi, NY. Until 2000, Martin was a professional horn player, performing with orchestras and chamber groups including the New Jersey Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Brass, Hancock Chamber Players and the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra. He also spent a season as a member of the Symphony Orchestra of the Italian Radio and TV in Turin. He taught horn privately and at the Eastern Music Festival, Settlement Music School, Lehigh University and Moravian College.
Martin’s enthusiasms include food and wine, antiques, books, fine art, birds, and the outdoors. Martin holds degrees in music from Carnegie-Mellon University and Temple University. He is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique.