Andrew Palmer Todd has overseen a period of expansion and financial security at the festival

Andrew Palmer todd

Andrew Palmer Todd described his tenure as ’a rewarding challenge and privilege’

Andrew Palmer Todd, the president and CEO of the Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF), has resigned, the festival’s board has announced. 

During Todd’s tenure the GTMF grew from 35 events during the summer to 100 events annually, including the Winter Festival. He also expanded summer programmes, created a community concert series, and launched a scholarship competition. The Summer Festival attendance has grown 69 per cent since 2014, and individual contributions have tripled, reaching an all-time high of $2.4 million in annual contributions for 2019. 

The news follows the controversial decision made in November by GTMF management to deny three of the festival’s contractual musicians invitations to perform at future seasons. That decision had been made following a disagreement between the three musicians and the board about the artistic direction of the festival. The musicians have since been reinstated. 

Read: Petition launched in protest by Grand Teton Music Festival musicians

GTMF board chair Christine Hartley commented: ‘I speak for the entire board when I express our gratitude for Andrew’s contributions to our Festival. His leadership in Jackson Hole and with our organization has exceeded our expectations. On a personal note, I respect and admire Andrew, and I am very sorry to see him leave. We wish him well in his future endeavors.’

Former GTMF board member Gary Silberberg (2013–2019) added: ‘As a former GTMF board member, I had the pleasure of working closely with Andrew on a number of projects. I have always been impressed by Andrew’s professionalism, arts leadership, and expertise, but most of all, his passion for our community.’

Todd said: ‘I am indebted to the Jackson Hole community, to the dedicated GTMF staff, our devoted board, and the GTMF musicians. I appreciate the Board’s willingness and trust in me to do my part in leading this organization. It has been a rewarding challenge and privilege.’

GTMF will announce a national search for Todd’s replacement in the upcoming months.