An accomplished executive with demonstrated success in the non-profit sector, Shruti Adhar has a proven track record in grantmaking, fundraising, management, and program development. Prior to joining MCA in June 2019, Shruti served as the Executive Director of The Knights, a Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra. In this role, she led strategic direction, oversaw operations, and managed artistic, human, and financial resources, growing the annual budget from $1.2 million to $2 million in just three years. She expanded the organization’s full-time staff from 1 to 4, increased artist compensation, grew contributed income by 40%, and established the orchestra’s first Home Season in New York City.
Prior to joining The Knights, Shruti served as Director of Development & Engagement at Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, where she increased individual fundraising and the orchestra’s school programs. As a grant maker, she has worked as a Program Officer with both the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Music Fund, providing technical assistance to organizations from a range of disciplines and budget sizes, led panel evaluations, and monitored grant programs. Shruti was also the first full-time employee for Buglisi/Foreman Dance, serving as the company’s Managing Director from 2001-2004. Shruti earned a master’s degree in arts administration at Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in history at Yale University.