Paul Lambert joined the SSO in January, 2022 in the role of Interim Executive Director and in February 2023 was named President and CEO. As a 20 year subscriber to the Symphony, Paul wrote that through “good faith, hard work and creative problem solving, we look forward to a bright future for this wonderful Organization – one that we all love.”
Prior to the SSO assignment, Paul had spent several decades at the Basketball Hall of Fame. He came to the Hall in June, 2002 in the newly created role of Vice President, Guest Experience & Programming. He was directly responsible for the creation, development and execution of all Hall of Fame Events, initiatives and programs on a national scale. His work has transformed the Hall of Fame Enshrinement from a single local program into an annual series of high-profile, nationally recognized celebrations and media events which have served as the bedrock of the Hall’s development and outreach efforts within the global basketball community.
He was also directly responsible for all corporate and rental events within the Hall as well as management of the “Show Staff”—workers within the Hall of Fame who are responsible for the overall Guest Experience while visiting the Hall.
His role evolved to a newly created role—Vice President of Enshrinement Services and Community Engagement—where his work within the local communities served by Hall of Fame Events and programs will expand to include high profile community outreach opportunities utilizing the key assets and VIP presence of the Hall of Fame brand, members and Museum.
Paul serves on a number of local Boards and Community Organization steering committees including NCCJ, NEPM (past Board Chair), The Loomis Communities (incoming Board Chair), The Cape Cod Center for the Arts, Springfield Rotary, Longmeadow UNICO, the South Hadley Chorale and the South Hadley Cultural Council.
Prior to joining the Hall, Lambert worked for the National Basketball Association as Director, Event Production working since 1989 on the development and execution of live programming, grass roots initiatives and international events. Among other responsibilities, Lambert worked extensively on the development of the “NBA Jam Session” program, numerous All-Star Games, interactive fan experiences and successfully staged events in Canada, Mexico and numerous initiatives and events throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
Prior to joining the NBA, Lambert enjoyed a successful career in the Professional Theatre including a joyous seven-year stint as General Manager of the Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts and management positions at the Westport Country Playhouse and the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Paul lives in South Hadley, Massachusetts with his wife The Lovely Cynthia. They are the proud parents of two beautiful, grown sons, Benjamin and Peter.