ST. LOUIS, MO [February 27th, 2026] Jazz St. Louis today announced that Victor Goines has concluded his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, after serving in the role since September 2022.

Goines’ departure reflects a personal decision to focus more fully on his career as a jazz artist. 

“Victor has helped guide Jazz St. Louis through an important period of artistic growth,” said Robert Steward, Chairman of the Jazz St. Louis Board of Directors. “He brought vision, artistic credibility, and a deep commitment to our community. We fully support his decision to devote more time to his work as a composer and recording artist, and we wish him continued success.”

The announcement follows the highly successful, two-night big band debut of The MLK Suite, composed by Goines and performed by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band on February 20 and 21. The St. Louis American praised the performance as “quiet in its confidence but enormous in its emotional reach.”

Jazz St. Louis enters this leadership transition from a position of strength, with a capable staff and strong community partnerships.

To ensure continuity and sustained momentum, the Board of Directors has launched a strategic leadership planning process to guide the organization as it looks ahead to the 2027 season and beyond. A Board-led committee will review the organization’s leadership structure, roles and operational needs before initiating a national search for permanent executive leadership.

During this transition period, two senior members of the Jazz St. Louis leadership team have been appointed to serve in shared interim executive roles:

• Cynthia Danley, Director of Development, will serve as Co-Interim Executive Director, Operations and Advancement, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising and organizational leadership.
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Director of Education and Community Engagement, will serve as Co-Interim Executive Director, Artistic and Community Programs, drawing on his deep background as a jazz educator, musician and performer, and his longstanding relationships within the industry.

Together, Danley and Jackson will provide collaborative leadership, ensuring continuity across operations, development, artistic programming and community engagement.

“The Board is confident in the path forward and in the talented team who will lead this organization through this transition.” added Steward. “Our programming is resonating, our community engagement is deep, and our team is exceptional. This is an opportunity to be thoughtful and intentional about where we go next.”