Jeffry Comanici, the executive director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, was named assistant dean for advancement for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University.

Comanici, who has worked with the SSO since 1999, began as director of development before becoming its president and executive director in 2002. During his time with the SSO, Comanici has raised more than $5 million, reduced a large deficit and increased ticket sales in record numbers, including a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in April 2003.

Comanici said he accepted the position because of the changes going on at the university.

‘There are very exciting things happening at the college under the leadership of both Dean Brzozowski and Chancellor Cantor, and I’m looking forward for the opportunity to work with them,’ Comanici said.

His primary responsibilities as the assistant dean of advancement will be to raise funds for VPA and to encourage alumni involvement in the college. He will also be managing a fund-raising campaign for new programming and information structure in the college.

‘My goal is to work with the faculty to continue to attract the best students,’ he said.

Carole Brzozowski, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said Comanici is fit for the position.

‘He has a proven record in fund raising for the arts, and he already has good relationships and good contacts,’ Brzozowski said. ‘He understands the system.’

As an alumnus of SU, Comanici is very committed to the university and arts education, Brzozowski said.

Comanici said his fondest memory while working for the SSO is the concert at Carnegie Hall. The concert was performed the same night as the SU men’s NCAA basketball semi-final game.

‘It was a great night for all of us,’ he said.

Comanici will leave his position with the orchestra in March. A search committee has been formed to look for his replacement.

Published on February 1, 2006 at 12:00 pm