Different in the Most Positive Way: A Conversation with Trey Devey

Trey Devey is President of Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he leads one of the world’s most influential institutions for the education and development of young artists. Since assuming the presidency in 2017, he has guided Interlochen through a period of transformation—completing a decades-long campus plan, launching new global and online programs, and navigating the profound disruptions of the pandemic while strengthening the institution’s mission and long-term sustainability. Prior to Interlochen, Trey served as President of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Cincinnati May Festival, where he led a financial turnaround, restored artistic capacity, and helped raise more than $225 million to secure the organization’s future. In this episode, we trace Trey’s journey from trombone student to consultant, orchestra executive, and president of a global arts institution—exploring the decisions that shaped him, the realities of leading through uncertainty, and his vision for educating not just exceptional artists, but citizen artists prepared to shape the future.