Edward J. Downing, the interim director of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra since November, was named the organization’s new executive director last week.

Edward J. Downing

The announcement follows a six-month committee search to find a successor for former director Any Buelow, who left the area last year to become the new head of the Tacoma (Wash.) Symphony.

TSO board president Robert Gingras said Downing’s duties will include working with the board to implement a strategic plan, continuing a close partnership with music director Kevin Rhodes, management of staff, and funding development, marketing and public relations.

Downing worked for 25 years at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he was president emeritus from 1998 to 2003. Downing and his wife Joyce have a long history of involvement in the region’s arts and cultural community, and he is the current vice chairman of Rotary Charities.

The TSO consists of a full-time professional staff of four and a part-time staff of four, a music director and 60-plus contracted core musicians, some of whom reside in Leelanau County.