Bill Lively steps down as president of Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The well-liked leader cited health concerns.

Photo by Linda McKinney

Bill Lively

DALLAS — In a statement sent Friday morning, Bill Lively announced that he is resigning as president of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) for health reasons. Lively was president of the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee and had recently transitioned into a job as the president of the DSO on April 1.

His resignation was a surprise to staff, said Christy Crytzer Pierce, spokesperson for the DSO. “He was an absolute joy to work for,” she said by phone. “The staff really respected and were excited by his leadership. We're clearly disappointed, but understand the difficult decision and circumstances.”

Lively's resignation comes just a few weeks after the DSO's Dallas Arts District neighbor – the Dallas Museum of Art – announced that director Bonnie Pitman resigned from the museum for health reasons.

Said Lively in a statement, “I entered into this position with a full heart and intention to stay long-term as president, but it became quickly apparent that my health concerns would not allow me to fulfill these obligations.” The board of the DSO will begin finding a replacement immediately, according to a press release.

Lively was currently a part-time president, sharing his time with the Host Committee. He will not go full-time with the DSO and is finishing his commitment with the Host Committee by the end of May.