Megen Balda

Megen Balda

Executive Director
megen@gtcys.org

Megen Balda joined GTCYS in 2003 and has served as executive director since 2011. She leads strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, and oversees the daily operations of GTCYS’ 38-member artistic and administrative staff, stewarding a $2.7 million budget and multiple endowed funds. In partnership with the Board of Directors, Megen ensures that GTCYS centers students, engages the community, and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Under her leadership, GTCYS has grown into the largest youth orchestra program in the United States. Enrollment has doubled, five new orchestras have been added, and Harmony—an El Sistema-inspired program for underrepresented youth—was created. Megen has also led the reinstatement of international touring, broadened access through new initiatives, and fostered organizational stability with consistently balanced budgets, strong cash reserves, and increased philanthropic support and engagement.

Prior to her work with GTCYS, Megen held positions with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale. She is a 2010 alumna of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute through the Wilder Foundation and a 2016 graduate of Leadership St. Paul. From 2016 to 2020, she served as Chair of the League of American Orchestras’ Youth Orchestra Division Board.

Megen studied arts administration and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College. She lives in Shoreview with her husband, Jon Kjarum, and their two Bernese Mountain Dogs.