Orchestra Kentucky announced its new executive director and director of operations during a news conference Monday at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center.

Scott Watkins, who was executive director of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in El Dorado, Ark., is the new executive director. He replaces Darrell G. Edwards, who resigned this summer after 121/2 years in the position.

Kristina Huddleston is director of operations, a new position. She is a former attorney who practiced in Louisville. She lived in Vienna, Austria, for six years before returning to her native Bowling Green two years ago.

“Our board is very excited to work with them as we start this new chapter,” orchestra board President Thad Connally III said.

Watkins was chosen because he has a musical background and can “think like a musician,” orchestra conductor and Music Director Jeff Reed said.

“He has the vision to help us plan strategically for the future. It was almost eerie that he had been involved in a similar program that Orchestra Kentucky had been in,” he said. “If you spend time with Scott you’ll find him engaging. He is our first full-time director in 16 years. I am beyond enthused about him being here.”

Huddleston will also be a vital part of Orchestra Kentucky, Reed said.

“She will be taking care of our concerts and the logistics of our guest artists,” he said.

Watkins is excited that the orchestra selected him to man the helm.

“I feel that this is the perfect match,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with a conductor who believes in the organization. He’s invested and makes my job even easier.”

The orchestra is large with even more room to grow, Watkins said.

“That’s an exciting element to this orchestra. It’s an opportunity to do more innovative programs,” he said. “With great programming you can bring in a lot of dollars.”

That means more people spending their money in Bowling Green by shopping, staying in hotels and eating out, Watkins said.

Huddleston was interested in becoming a part of the orchestra team even before she was named director of operations.

“My mother got me involved. She invited me to go to a meeting to do volunteer work,” she said. “I’ve known Jeff Reed for many years. He approached me about working for the orchestra. I can use my legal skills and organizational skills and outgoing personality to work with people.”

In addition to working with guest artists, Huddleston will also be in charge of fundraisers and special events.

Huddleston’s goal is to get more people to come to the orchestra’s performances.

“I want to encourage others to come see shows because they’re fantastic. We have shows that appeal to a variety of people,” she said. “I want to share my enthusiasm with people.”

— Follow features reporter Alyssa Harvey on Twitter @bgdnfeatures or visit bgdailynews.com.