Ja’Malik named interim executive director of Madison Ballet after CEO exit | MADISON MAGAZINE

Ja’Malik, who has served as artistic director of Madison Ballet since July 2022, will step into an interim executive director role after the announcement that Madison Ballet CEO Jonathan Solari will leave the company.

Solari has been with Madison Ballet for four years, but will step down to take a position in Louisiana with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. School of Madison Ballet Director Jacob Ashley will also leave the company, and Richard Walters is now filling that post.

Ja’Malik will assume responsibilities in the interim while the company searches for a new executive director, a process that will begin as soon as possible, according to a news release.

Ja’Malik says Solari’s contributions have well-positioned the company to “expand our work on a national level.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jonathan as I settled into my role as artistic director,” Ja’Malik says. “Madison Ballet’s reputation as one of the top performing arts organizations in Dane County has continued to strengthen locally under his leadership.”

During his tenure, Solari helped Madison Ballet return to live performances post-COVID-19 and celebrate the 40th anniversary season finale Turning Point among other company milestones.

“Madison Ballet has been an inspiring and meaningful chapter in my career, and I look forward to seeing all that comes next for the company,” Solari says.

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