A woman with years of experience in orchestras across the country has been tapped to lead the Boise Philharmonic Association.

Sandra "Sandi" Culhane, 47, will begin as the association's executive director May 1. She's been the executive director of the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale in Montana since 2005.

Culhane was born in New Jersey and earned a degree in music and business from Valparaiso University in Indiana. She began her career with the New York Philharmonic and is certified as a project management professional.

Culhane was a fellow with the League of American Orchestra in 1991 and 1992, working with the Boston Symphony, the American Composers Orchestra, the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the San Antonio Symphony. She was of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorale before moving to Montana.

"A violist and pianist, she understands the work of the musicians and the challenge of managing an organization that balances the needs of 150 instrumental and vocal musicians with those of more than 1,000 patrons," according to a news release from Boise Philharmonic.

Culhane is moving to Boise with her husband, Bill, and their 11-year-old son, "and they are looking forward to enjoying the beauty of the Boise outdoors," according to the news release.

Previous executive director Tom Bennett resigned in August, citing personal reasons.