Gregory Stern

Who is Gregory Stern, Chief Executive Officer at SFJAZZ?

Gregory Stern is the current Chief Executive Officer of SFJAZZ, a renowned non-profit performing arts organization based in San Francisco. He assumed this role in June 2020, succeeding Don Derheim who had been in the position for six years.15

Prior to becoming CEO, Stern had a long history with SFJAZZ, having served as a volunteer on the board for three terms.2 He is also the co-founder and co-chairman of BSSP, an independent creative advertising agency that has developed award-winning marketing solutions for clients such as Blue Shield, Mitsubishi, Priceline, and MINI Cooper.2

Stern's career path has been unconventional, as he did not initially expect to end up in advertising or eventually lead SFJAZZ. After graduating college with a degree in Political Science, he co-founded BSSP and built it into a successful agency over the course of 25 years.2

In his new role as CEO, Stern is excited to turn his passion for SFJAZZ into his vocation. The organization, founded in 1983 by Randall Kline, is considered a leader in the creation, presentation, and education of jazz, exploring various forms of the genre from its African American roots to contemporary and international expressions.2

SFJAZZ operates the SFJAZZ Center, a free-standing building dedicated to jazz that is one of the only such facilities in the United States.2 The organization presents high-quality jazz concerts and events year-round, along with educational programs that reach thousands of students annually.3

Gregory Stern's LinkedIn profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-stern.4