Our Conductor

Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey (she/her) is a performing artist, educator, and composer with twenty years’ experience as a leader in higher education. An advocate for active duty and military-affiliated students, she is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, beginning her career as Principal Tubist with the U.S. Coast Guard Band, stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
The U.S. Coast Guard Band represents the service globally, provides ceremonial support for troops, and entertainment for communities nationwide. Dr. Hersey performed at numerous state functions for visiting dignitaries and royalty, as soloist, as a member of the Tuba Euphonium Quartet and Brass Quintet, and has appeared in uniform on The Today Show and Good Morning America. She has performed for three U.S. Presidents and participated in events to commemorate the allied efforts of World War II, including special joint performances with United Kingdom military musicians held across southern England. Across her career Dr. Hersey has performed with artists including Placido Domingo, Roberta Flack, Marilyn Horne, Arlo Guthrie, Michael Bolton, Lee Greenwood, Arturo Sandoval, and Jack Nicholson. Dr. Hersey continues to serve as Flotilla Staff Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Badin Lake, North Carolina.
A champion for equity in both military and civilian settings, Dr. Hersey holds Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in addition to her music degrees, and has written several book chapters and journal articles in the areas of gender, diversity, and belonging. She has released two solo albums, O quam mirabilis, and Zigzags, featuring music by diverse female composers, in combination with her own works, and appears on five chamber music albums. Active in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Hersey assists organizations such as the International Women’s Brass Conference, where her work as President supported strong growth of event participation and mentoring programs. She serves as Conference Chair and Board Member for the International Alliance for Women in Music, and as Treasurer and Board Member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Her newest composition, Nanon, for euphonium and tuba duo with electronic track, was the winner of the 2023 International Tuba Euphonium Association’s Mary Ann Craig Focus on Women Award, established to honor works which center the achievements and creativity of women.
After a career of more than twenty years in collegiate education, Dr. Hersey now serves as Director of Student Success in the Center for Teaching and Learning at Gordon College. This position manages programs, partnerships, and resources to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for student growth.