Executive & Operations Directors

Teresa Borker, Executive Director for Florida Young Artists Orchestra

Teresa Borker has an extensive background in business, arts and culture in Central Florida. While working for the same attorney for 28 years, she began to produce and coordinate international cultural events; founded, directed, and danced with the International Folk Dance Ensemble; and worked part-time in entertainment for Walt Disney World. For the past six years she has been assistant to the president of the FBVA (Florida Basketball & Volleyball Association, a local non-profit youth sports organization) essentially doing for their youth sport players, parents, and coaches, what she will be doing for our orchestras’ musicians, their parents, and our artistic staff. She also owns her own event planning and management company which produces for sponsors, organizations, communities and festivals various cultural, charity, and fund-raising events. Teresa’s love of working with our community’s youth, especially in the non-profit sector, her extensive background in business, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills and love of culture will be great assets to the FYAO as we move forward into 2012 and beyond. We welcome aboard our newest staff member, Executive Director Teresa Borker.

Lori Knowles, Director of Operations for Florida Young Artists Orchestra

Lori Knowles has been a volunteer FYAO parent for many years,  as an Orchestra Manager and as a  mother of talented daughers. She has a great knowledge of music and orchestra operations as a result of so many years of volunteering. She is very well-organized and anticipates potential problems well before they occur. Lori also has an outstanding working relationship with our Artistic Staff, and had served as Orchestra Manager for most of FYAO’s ensembles. But most importantly, she has a deep love for the FYAO and for our Young Artists, and an enthusiasm for their collective success. We are deeply indebted to Lori for her willingness to serve as Director of Operations!  In this role, Lori will be present at the FYAO rehearsals, working with the Orchestra Managers, Artistic Staff and Students to make sure everything goes smoothly.