The Dallas Symphony Orchestra sends over word this afternoon that Ron Gafford has been named chairman of the board. He succeeds Hal Brierley, who will continue to serve on the board.

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The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Gafford as chairman of the DSO’s Board of Governors. Gafford succeeds Hal Brierley.

Gafford is chairman, president and CEO of Dallas-based Austin Industries, one of the largest general contractor and construction management companies in the US. Gafford is a longtime board member and patron of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He also serves on the board of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce (Chairman, 2007), Dallas Citizens Council, Trinity Industries, Interfaith Housing Coalition Foundation, Lakehill Preparatory School, and recently joined the American Heart Association’s Dallas Board.

Brierley is currently chairman and CEO of e-Rewards, Inc., the nation’s largest online market research panel. He also serves as chairman and chief loyalty architect of Brierley+Partners, Inc, a leading specialist in the design and implementation of customer loyalty programs, a company that he founded in Dallas in 1985. Hal Brierley and his wife Diane are deeply committed to the DSO, and Brierley will continue to serve on the DSO’s board.

“Hal Brierley stepped in last summer when we found ourselves in need and served as our interim chairman,” said President of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Douglas Adams. “His leadership ability and business acumen helped propel the Dallas Symphony Orchestra during a challenging time. Ron Gafford and I look forward to working with him as an integral member of our board.”