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Following a two-month search, San Jose Jazz has selected Michael Miller, a veteran arts administrator, as the 23-year-old organization's new Executive Director.

Miller replaces Dr. Geoff Roach, who led the South Bay jazz organization for the past five years. Roach (who also plays trombone with the Bay Area's Octobop ensemble) is reported to be returning to the software industry.

Miller is a highly regarded San Jose arts leader who has designed, directed, and managed large-scale arts events in national and international venues. Most recently, he was CEO and executive producer for the recently-defunct American Musical Theater of San Jose, a 74-year-old non-profit musical theater organization with a $10M annual budget.

Silicon Valley Business Journal recognized Miller as one of Silicon Valley's top 100 executives, while San Jose Magazine named him one of the most influential executives in Silicon Valley.

"Live music has always been my passion," says Miller, "and I'm looking forward to working on the Jazz Festival, but I'm also very inspired to join an organization which is transforming young lives through music education."

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Miller's love for jazz and blues started at an early age. Michael graduated from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-profit Leaders and from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Business Administration and Accounting.

Prior to his role with the American Musical Theater, Michael held senior production roles with PaperMill Playhouse and Holland America Cruise Lines. He has spent his entire career dedicated to arts.

As a member of the San Jose arts community, Miller has served as Chair of the Arts and Cultural Roundtable, the Executive Board of Team San Jose, Chair of the Arts Board of Team San Jose, Chair of Theatre Preservation Inc., and as a Teatro Vision board member. He is also a committee member for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Silicon Valley and Team in Training.