The Pops Orchestra Welcomes Melissa M. Warthen as Chief Administrative Officer
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa M. Warthen as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). A seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit administration, event management, and community engagement, Warthen brings a wealth of expertise and fresh vision to this expanded leadership role with The Pops Orchestra.
Warthen has built a distinguished career advancing organizations through strategic growth, donor relations, and innovative programming. Most recently, she served in key leadership positions at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), where she played a vital role in donor communications, event strategy, and community partnerships through positions with the SCF Foundation and the Career Accelerator Program. Earlier in her career, Warthen spent more than a decade at the University of Pittsburgh, where she directed New Student Programs and spearheaded initiatives impacting more than 8,000 students annually.
Warthen holds a Master of Education in Higher Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Clemson University, and a Certificate in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from the University of Pittsburgh. Beyond her professional achievements, Warthen is committed to community service, actively volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Manatee County.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Warthen to The Pops Orchestra leadership team,” said Robyn Bell, Managing and Artistic Director of The Pops Orchestra. “Her proven expertise in organizational leadership, fundraising, and community engagement makes her the perfect fit to advance our mission of bringing accessible, high-quality music to the Bradenton-Sarasota community.”
As CAO, Warthen will oversee the Orchestra’s administrative operations, strengthen strategic growth initiatives, and expand community partnerships, ensuring that The Pops continues to thrive as a cultural treasure on Florida’s Suncoast.
About The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota
Since 1975, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has been delighting audiences with dynamic, critically acclaimed performances that celebrate a wide range of musical genres—from Broadway and Hollywood favorites to jazz, big band, Motown, patriotic tributes, and holiday classics. Under the baton of the dynamic Dr. Robyn Bell, the 65-piece orchestra showcases the region’s finest professional musicians, community performers, educators, and talented student musicians, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of its audience.
A cultural cornerstone of the region, The Pops Orchestra not only presents a robust concert season but also engages the community through special performances honoring veterans, welcoming international events, and mentoring young musicians through its annual summer camp. Frequent collaborations with local and national guest artists add to the excitement, making every performance a unique celebration of popular music.
For tickets or season or concert information visit https://www.thepopsorchestra.org/
or call 941-926-POPS (7677). For media inquiries, please contact Caryn Hodge at Caryn@ThePopsOrchestra.org.