Norma Nunez has been named Director of El Sistema Lehigh Valley.

Nunez, a native of Caracas, Venezuelan, served in administrative positions for El Sistema Venezuela over the past seven years, including concert producer and international assistant tour manager for the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Youth Orchestra of Caracas and the Simon Bolivar National Youth Choir.

She has played the viola with the National Children Orchestra of Venezuela, National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Youth Orchestra of Caracas, Madrid Metropolitan Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Santander, Spain.

Nunez is the 2011 recipient of the Ford Motor Company International Fellow of the 92nd Street, New York City. She received a master’s Cultural Management from Universidad Carlos III.

The Allentown Symphony Association began El Sistema Lehigh Valley three years ago at Roosevelt Elementary School, Allentown.

El Sistema, led by former director Steven Liu, has received grants and honors and positive academic results for 85 children who participate free of charge daily after school.