Our Team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
philip@johnscreeksymphony.org

Philip Kim is the Executive Director of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, where he leads strategic vision, development, marketing, and community engagement in collaboration with Music Director Henry Cheng and the Board of Directors.

An experienced nonprofit and communications leader, Kim previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Ohio State Bar Foundation, where he strengthened partnerships, elevated statewide visibility, and led major events and campaigns. He has also advanced arts advocacy through Ohio Citizens for the Arts and held leadership roles with community nonprofit organizations including We Amplify Voices, Hilltop Arts Collective, and Matter News.

A musician and multidisciplinary artist, Kim believes in the power of the arts to connect communities, inspire civic engagement, and leave a lasting positive impact.

OPERATIONS MANAGER
karen@johnscreeksymphony.org

Operations Manager Karen Hunt has extensive management experience with local arts organizations and nonprofits, while owning an Artist Management Company, KH Artists Group.

Karen is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Georgia State University, where she received a Bachelor’s of Music Performance in Percussion. As an active freelance percussionist, Karen is a member of the Atlanta Percussion Trio as well as the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Opera and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Atlanta, Macon, Alabama, Savannah, Gwinnett and Charleston Symphonies. In addition to being an active freelance percussionist, she is also a founding member of Chix with Stix Percussion Group.

Karen has been a member of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra since its inception in 2007.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
rachel@johnscreeksymphony.org

Development and Marketing Coordinator Rachel Loyd is a passionate supporter of the arts who loves managing complex details, logistics, and timelines. With a background in event planning and project management, she coordinates both fundraising and marketing for the organization.

Prior to joining JCSO, she was a project coordinator for Carriage Partners, a high-end residential construction firm, acting as the primary liaison between new homeowners and the construction team, ensuring clients were informed of progress and any potential delays.

Rachel is comfortable in front of the orchestra as well as pulling the levers behind the scenes to make it happen. With a love for travel, adventure, and books, she brings insight, energy, and a passion for new experiences to everything she does. Rachel received her BA from the University of Central Florida

She has been with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra since 2024.

PERSONNEL MANAGER
jim@johnscreeksymphony.org

Personnel Manager James Zellers is Principal Flute and Orchestra Personnel Manager with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and The Atlanta Opera Orchestra as well as Principal Flute with The Columbus GA Symphony.

Dr. Zellers holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Indiana University and a D.M.A. from the Juilliard School. He was a former touring artist for the North Carolina Council for the Arts and Principal Piccolo with the Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota from 2001 through 2023. Currently he is a Flute Artist Affiliate for Emory University School of Music (since 2006) and Agnes Scott College (since 2021).

In addition to his flute activities, Dr. Zellers is an active organist as well as a pianist/accompanist in Atlanta. He is also the proud breeder of prize-winning Australian Shepherds; competing regularly in Confirmation and Competitive Obedience. Jim has been a member of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra since its inception in 2007.