Board of Directors > Biography
Marty Bates
Marty Bates is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pittsburgh Symphony. With over 30 years of leadership experience at GE, McKinsey & Company, Alcoa, and Audia Group, he brings global expertise in strategy, operations and change leadership to his work in the arts. Mr. Bates joined the PSO in 2021 following years of deepening involvement as a subscriber, volunteer, board member, and creator of the PSO’s story-telling chamber music series, Discovery & Drinks.
A lifelong advocate for vibrant classical music experiences that are engaging and accessible to everyone, Mr. Bates is passionate about connecting Pittsburgh’s world-famous orchestra to its communities and new audiences—a passion that aligns closely with WQED’s mission of using media to educate, inspire, and entertain. He is especially excited about WQED’s work in education and cultural storytelling across the region.
Mr. Bates has degrees from Penn State and the University of Virginia. He has extensive international work experience in Western Europe, China, and South America. He grew up in Pittsburgh and lived and worked around the world for 21-years before returning in 2006 to raise his family and give back to his hometown.