Jon Poses Steps Down From Jazz Series

The founder of the We Always Swing Jazz Series is resigning after leading the organization for 32 years.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Jazz

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass saxophone bell resting on a plain stage, symbolizing a leadership transition in jazz programming. — Jon Poses, founder of the Columbia-based We Always Swing Jazz Series, has resigned, initiating a move to a new co-directorship model. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jon Poses, the founder of the long-running We Always Swing Jazz Series in Columbia, has stepped down from his role as executive director. This resignation marks the first leadership change in the organization's three-decade history.

Why it matters

The transition represents a significant institutional shift for the organization, which is now moving to a new co-directorship model to oversee its future operations.

The We Always Swing Jazz Series has operated for 32 years, maintaining the same executive director since its founding. The organization is currently moving to a new co-directorship model.

The players

Jon Poses

He is the founder of the We Always Swing Jazz Series and served as its executive director for over three decades.

We Always Swing Jazz Series

This Columbia-based organization has been a staple of the local music scene for 32 years.

The details

Jon Poses is departing the organization he founded in Columbia, prompting a structural evolution for the series. Following his resignation, the group will replace the single executive director position with a co-directorship model.

October 21, 2026: Jon Poses officially resigned from his position.

Industry Dynamics

This transition marks the first personnel shift in the history of the We Always Swing Jazz Series. The move to a co-directorship model reflects a broader shift toward collaborative leadership structures in regional cultural institutions.

The change in leadership signals that patrons should monitor upcoming concert announcements for shifts in programming style. Access to performances and ticket information for the We Always Swing Jazz Series will continue as the transition to the new co-directorship model takes hold.

The takeaway

The departure of a long-term founder is a pivotal moment for any local arts organization. Maintaining community support during such transitions often depends on how effectively the new leadership team preserves the established vision.