Backstage at the CSO: Kerri Gravlin

Director of Financial Planning & Analysis Kerri Gravlin began working for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association in August 2017, bringing a background in the higher-education industry to her role in the finance department. “It is very rewarding to work at a world-renowned institution, and I take pride in being able to have any sort of impact on the overall success of the organization,” she says.

Could you describe your job duties as director of financial planning and analysis?

I am primarily responsible for the organization’s annual operating budget. I work with the finance/accounting team as well as budget managers across the organization to develop a budget prior to the start of a year, reforecast and analyze that budget throughout a year, and monitor and report on actuals compared to the forecast throughout the year. I am also responsible for maintaining and updating our long-range financial plan that supports the overall organizational strategic plans. Finally, I monitor our capital budget throughout the year, provide assistance on financial reporting for any grants we may apply for and/or receive, and prepare financial materials for various CSOA committee meetings.

What was your career path before your current position, and what led you to the CSO?

I graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration and a finance concentration. I initially targeted the higher-education industry and worked at Northwestern University for several years in a variety of roles while also obtaining my master’s in higher-education administration. While I enjoy the higher-education industry, when I saw the opening for the director of financial planning and analysis at the CSOA, I felt that it would closely align with my background, and it provided me the opportunity for continued growth in my career while also staying in the nonprofit world.

What’s one of the most rewarding parts of your job?

It is very rewarding to work at a world-renowned institution, and I take pride in being able to have any sort of impact on the overall success of the organization. I have also always been impressed by and enjoyed my interactions with the staff members at the organization. It is very evident how much the employees care about the work that they do, and that makes coming to work each day that much more enjoyable!

Do you have a favorite concert or memory from your time at the CSOA?

I will admit that I did not come to the CSOA with much (or any) of a musical background, so the orchestral world is new to me. But since working here, I have had the privilege of being able to attend quite a few concerts. I think my favorite was actually a CSO at the Movies performance of “Star Wars,” mainly because my entire extended family attended, and I loved getting to see my nephews experience the movie and the music together!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love being active — playing sports, going for runs and getting outside as much as possible. My family is also very important to me, so I love any opportunity to spend time with them. And I am actually pregnant with our second child (a second girl), so I am looking forward to spending extra time with my growing family in the coming months! 😊