KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 30, 2026) — The Kansas City Symphony today announced the appointment of Paul Sekhri, Linda Stevens and Amy Guerich to its Board of Directors, welcoming three accomplished leaders whose expertise spans arts advocacy, business strategy, finance and organizational governance.  

Their appointments embody the Symphony’s commitment to strong leadership and community partnership as it continues to expand its artistic reach and civic impact. The three new directors bring nonprofit and orchestral board experience from coast to coast, including a wide range of experience with the Seattle Symphony, the New York Philharmonic and local musical institutions.  

Paul Sekhri 

Sekhri offers more than 40 years of executive leadership in the life sciences sector, with experience spanning corporate strategy, business development, finance, product development and commercialization. He has served as a director or chair on more than 40 boards and offers extensive expertise in governance, innovation and long-term strategic planning across both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.  

Since 2022, Sekhri has served as the Chair of Young Concert Artists (YCA), a 65-year-old organization identifying and supporting the next generation of world-class classical artists. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Advisory Council for the New York Philharmonic. His appointment makes him the first non–Kansas City–based member in the Board’s history, reflecting the Kansas City Symphony’s growing national and international reach. 

“This is a very exciting time for the Kansas City Symphony, and I’m honored to join its Board of Directors at such a pivotal time for the organization,” Sekhri said. “The Symphony’s artistic ambition and community impact make it a remarkable institution, and I am eager to support its ongoing success as it continues to grow its reach across the U.S. and beyond.” 

Linda Stevens 

Stevens brings decades of leadership in marketing, philanthropy and arts volunteerism to her new role. A former IBM executive and longtime Microsoft leader, she directed the Microsoft Global Executive Briefing Center and helped expand its customer engagement program internationally. Since returning to Kansas City from Seattle in 2015, she has played an active role in supporting the Kansas City Symphony through leadership positions with the Symphony League and Auxiliary Council, while also contributing to a range of regional arts and education organizations. 

While in Washington, Stevens served on the Seattle Symphony Board of Trustees and chaired several fundraising events for the Seattle Symphony. Upon leaving the Seattle Symphony Board, she was appointed as a lifetime director. She also served as president of the Seattle Symphony Volunteers and joined the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council in 2013.  

“I’m honored to serve on the Kansas City Symphony’s Board of Directors and to support an organization that plays such an important role in the cultural life of our community,” Stevens said. “The Symphony’s commitment to artistic excellence and education is inspiring, and I look forward to helping advance its mission and deepen its impact across the region.” 

Amy Guerich 

Guerich is co-owner of Stepp & Rothwell, Inc., a financial planning firm, where she helps shape long-term strategy and advisor development. She brings deep experience in financial oversight, stewardship and board governance, along with a strong record of service to arts and educational organizations.  

Guerich previously served on the Board of Directors for Starlight Theatre, where she chaired the Philanthropy Committee and served on the executive board. Guerich is also actively involved with Kansas State University, where she serves on the College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and supports mentorship and planned giving initiatives. 

“It’s a true honor to join the Kansas City Symphony’s Board of Directors,” Guerich said. “Music has a unique ability to bring people together, inspire learning and create lasting connections, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help strengthen the Symphony’s impact for audiences across our region.” 

These new appointments will provide key guidance for the Kansas City Symphony as the organization builds on its current momentum and advances its mission in the region and beyond. 

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About The Kansas City Symphony
In only its 44th season, the Kansas City Symphony has become one of America’s most vibrant major orchestras and has gained international recognition. At its orchestral home of Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Symphony serves the Kansas City metropolitan region of more than 2.2 million people.   

The Symphony’s 80 full-time musicians present a diverse and dynamic range of orchestral and chamber music performances each season under the artistic leadership of music director Matthias Pintscher, an internationally acclaimed conductor and composer who regularly conducts the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. 

In addition to concerts in Helzberg Hall, Symphony musicians perform throughout the region on an innovative portable stage, the Mobile Music Box. The Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, adding to the rich cultural experiences that these organizations offer to the community. 

For more information, visit  www.kcsymphony.org.