Administrative Staff

Jennifer O'Bannan

Executive Director

Felicia Bawden

Business Manager

Jennifer O'Bannan became the Spokane Youth Symphony's Executive Director in June of 2016 after working with SYS for 10 years prior. She joined the staff in 2006, following a year on the SYS Board of Directors. Her interest in the organization goes back to the 1970's when she was a member of the Spokane Junior Symphony, first playing the violin and then the viola. She attended Eastern Washington University where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Viola Performance, during which time she was also a member of the Spokane Symphony. She has taught private violin and viola students for more than two decades and taught strings classes at local private schools for several years and performs in local orchestras and chamber ensembles.

Felicia Bawden is originally from Southeast Idaho. Felicia's family moved to Spokane in 2011. She and her husband, Shaun have four beautiful children, two girls and two boys, that keep them busy and active. Her oldest son plays the viola in Symphony and her daughter plays the violin in Sinfonietta.

Felicia is also very active in the family's church and the PTA for the kids' school. Not having formal musical training, she takes great delight in listening to her children learn and play different musical instruments. Felicia enjoys spending time with her family, running and traveling when she gets a chance.

Felicia served as a member of the SYS Board of Directors 2015-17. She joined the SYS staff in 2017 as Administrative Assistant. In June of 2018, her duties were expanded to include the business management role.