Richmond Symphony Orchestra honored David Rodgers’ legacy during its Aug. 18 annual meeting by initiating the David Rodgers Friend of the RSO and awarding it to Roberta Roswell and Brian Alenskis.
Rodgers, who died in May, served 28 years on the RSO board and helped the board set financial policies and protect investments, according to a news release. His award honors long-term commitment and transformative gifts.
Roswell and Alenskis received a museum-quality print of the C.W. Mundy painting that hangs in Civic Hall. They have served RSO for decades through a variety of volunteer roles during concerts and events and by serving on the most recent strategic-planning committee.
Lynn Mayer was selected RSO’s Board Member of the Year. Mayer is in his second stint as an RSO board member, previously serving from 1992-94, and he served on RSO’s search committee and co-chairs the development committee.
“Lynn shined above the rest for his dedicated commitment to the board,” said Leslie Bolser, the outgoing board president, in the release. “Being prepared for every board meeting, he asked difficult questions and for clarification routinely. Lynn pushed for and encouraged the board to get more involved and to fully adopt the role of governance and development rather than being idle.”
Lynda Jackson and Jeff Jackson were appointed to emeritus status for their record of service to the RSO. Lynda Jackson served on the board from 2010-16 and pushed the board to be more fiscally responsible and set a balanced budget.
“Today, the RSO reaps the benefits of Lynda’s foresight and willingness to not be the popular one, to ruffle feathers and change the course of the organization,” said Marty Van Der Burgt, the incoming board president. “As a result, the RSO has operated in the black for 12 years.”
Jeff Jackson served two nine-year board terms and led the search committee to select the RSO’s fourth music director, Andrés Lopera.
Bolser remains ex-officio for one year to ensure a smooth transition into Van Der Burgt’s two years as president.
Alex Painter will serve as vice president, Melissa Vance as secretary and John Zetzl as treasurer. Brian Fruchey, Kari Harrington, Christina Mavity, Claire Moriarity and Dennis Rome were elected as new board members.
Michael Buchholz, Jules Clemente, Mengie Parker and Jason Troutwine exit the board as their terms expire.
A version of this article appeared in the September 3 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.