After ushering Newark Symphony Hall back into the spotlight as the historic venue approaches its centennial year, President and CEO Taneshia Nash Laird announced earlier this month she’d move on from her position there in November. Now, an interim leader with experience working with the community-driven concert hall has been tapped to take her place.

Newark Symphony Hall announced the appointment of Talia Young as interim chief executive officer Oct. 31, while board Chair fayemi shakur spearheads the search for a permanent CEO and works closely with both Nash Laird and Young on a transition plan.

Young has served on the NSH board since 2014. The CEO brings a background in government affairs, economic development and entrepreneurship to the position, according to the venue.

“The opportunity to support Newark Symphony Hall during its time of transition is truly an honor. This legendary establishment fueled my love for the arts from an early age,” said Young. “I am committed to the restoration and revival of this remarkable center, expanding its accessibility and community engagement efforts, and reinforcing its fiscal solvency moving forward. I am grateful for Taneshia’s dynamic leadership and look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, administration, community leaders and donors.”

During her time there, Nash Laird launched the $50 million, 100th anniversary capital improvement campaign at Newark Symphony Hall, securing $15 million in funding toward that effort since she came on board in 2018.

Under her leadership, the venue was also able to add several full-time staff members, including its first-ever: director of development, Mack Graham; director of communications and social impact, Chris Sabin; operations manager and acting facilities manager, Terry Brown; and finance and administration manager Ranesha Hunt.

“Taneshia has set us on a strong financial path to restore the historic building and cultural gem that is Newark Symphony Hall,” shakur, who also serves as arts and cultural affairs director for the City of Newark, said in a statement. “With strong knowledge of NSH’s mission, values and priorities, Talia will be an excellent interim CEO as we continue to fundraise, attract new programming, and complete our restoration by our 100th anniversary in 2025.”

NSH said Young, who is CEO of Space 2 Create Social Impact Community Development Corp., an organization that works to expand economic equity and sustainability for communities of color, brings nearly 15 years of experience to the position. She also founded and leads The 725 Standard, a full-service planning, design and event logistics firm that incorporates positive social impact program and strategies for urban and suburban markets, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Her past experience includes serving as vice president of public and government relations for the City National Bank of N.J., the state’s first Black-owned and operated bank. She also served as senior project and policy manager under the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, NSH said.

The Hofstra University grad recently completed a certificate in Creative Placemaking from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

In a statement, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who also serves as commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, congratulated Young on the appointment.

“I look forward to supporting a continued relationship with Newark Symphony Hall through our affiliate, New Jersey Historic Trust, which has already funded a preservation plan which is helping to guide future efforts to maintain, repair and restore the historic interior finishes and exterior restoration of this structure,” Oliver said. “I am confident that Talia will continue the momentum of restoring this beautiful 1920s urban landmark.”

Over the past three years, NSH has emerged from its former life, and the pandemic, as an in-demand location for film and television productions — creating a key source of revenue. In 2022, it expanded its community programming to include popular monthly Soul Line Dancing and Salsa Night events. The venue said it plans to embellish its scheduled events with seasonal activities to engage the community and celebrate its rich culture. And, as the restoration proceeds, it will “remain open to the public and continue to serve as a cultural pillar for the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey.”