Susan Caminez of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera has been selected to participate in the League of American Orchestras’ prestigious Essentials of Orchestra Management program. She is one of 35 orchestra and arts professionals chosen from around the world for the ten-day leadership development intensive.
The program, now in its 25th year, runs July 22-31 and will take place at Juilliard’s Lincoln Center campus in New York.
“For 25 years, Essentials has been a pathway to success in the orchestra field,” says Simon Woods, president and CEO of the League. “Having 10 intensive days to focus solely on orchestras is a rare and valuable opportunity.”
Caminez says she’s honored by the selection.
“This opportunity was made possible through the generous support of our donors and board members – and I’m incredibly grateful. I’m confident the insights and connections gained through this experience will be invaluable to the CSO.”
Since its inception in 2000, more than 600 individuals have participated in the Essentials program, which is designed for early- and mid-career professionals. Topics this year will cover a wide range of areas, including artistic planning, finance, equity and inclusion, marketing, operations and the future of orchestras.
Participants will also attend concerts, tour David Geffen Hall and engage in peer discussions and mentoring opportunities.
FIFA taps McDaniel for role as veenue officer
Sean McDaniel, a longtime leader in Chattanooga’s soccer scene, has been named Team Services Venue Officer by FIFA for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
In this role, McDaniel will serve as FIFA’s official liaison while Auckland City FC of New Zealand trains and resides in Chattanooga this June. He will oversee FIFA compliance, security and logistics during the team’s stay at the Baylor School, which was selected as one of just 32 host base camps worldwide for the tournament.
“For me, this is a full-circle moment,” McDaniel says. “To now reach the mountaintop with FIFA choosing Chattanooga as a host site and me as TSVO is a tremendous honor – not just for me, but for the city and everyone who’s helped grow the game here.”
McDaniel has been a prominent figure in Chattanooga soccer for more than three decades, including serving as a founding member of Chattanooga FC and as president of the Chattanooga Red Wolves for over six years. A former collegiate player at Covenant College, he has remained a central force in developing the sport locally.
Auckland City FC arrived in Chattanooga June 10 and began training at Baylor June 11 in preparation for their Club World Cup matches. Their stay highlights Chattanooga’s growing presence on the international soccer map and could lead to further opportunities, including hosting a national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This is the pinnacle of world football,” McDaniel says. “To serve FIFA in this capacity is a career highlight – and I’m proud it’s happening right here in Chattanooga.”
Trust Company promotes Dalia Matthias to VP
The Trust Company of Tennessee has promoted Dalia Matthias to vice president and specialty trust director. Matthias joined the firm in 2022 as vice president and senior trust officer. She’s known for her dedication to service and advocacy, including her extensive work in trust administration and her focus on special needs trusts for negligently injured individuals and their families.