Cashion native Mark Beutler is the newest member of the leadership team at the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, recently assuming the role of director of marketing and public relations.

“We are happy to welcome Mark to the Oklahoma City Philharmonic,” said Executive Director Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev. “He brings many years of media experience to the job and we are fortunate to have him on our team.”

Beutler has worked in the Oklahoma City media market for more than 30 years and has held a variety of roles from TV reporter at OETA to on-air personality at KXXY-FM.

He penned his own monthly column, “Retrospective,” for 405 Magazine and served as media spokesperson for the state Department of Human Services.

Most recently he was director of communications and marketing for the American Cancer Society.

“Joining OKCPHIL is a perfect fit,” Beutler said. “As a child I loved all kinds of music. It started when my teenage sister Judy would bring her best friend Patricia home after school to listen to records. I was right in there with them, listening to the music of the Mamas and the Papas, Nancy Sinatra and all the great pop artists of the day.

“My mom, meanwhile, was and still is a rock and roller at heart,” Beutler continued. “She was listening to Elvis Presley, Wanda Jackson and Little Richard, with a lot of country mixed in as well. So, I developed an eclectic taste in music and a deep appreciation for all genres.”

Beutler said he planned a career in music and decided radio would be his profession-of-choice.

“I spent nearly 20 years at KXY with other gigs at KOOL-102, KEBC and WKY before venturing into public service,” he said. “I had a few years in television news, but I always knew music was in my soul. This role allows me to use the communications and marketing skills I have refined over the past few decades and brings me full circle back to my love of music.”

Beutler has been actively involved in the Oklahoma City community, chairing Red Tie Night, which at the time was the state’s single-largest fundraiser.

He spent 18 years as public relations chairman and served on the board of directors for the parent organization, OACF. Other philanthropic work included the board of directors for City Rep Theatre and volunteering with Special Olympics.

On several occasions, he was previously involved with the OKCPHIL.

“When I was at WKY in the late ‘80s, we helped market the inaugural season of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic,” Beutler said. “WKY was part of Gaylord Entertainment and Mr. Gaylord asked for our help. We sponsored a spring concert that first season featuring the legendary Roy Clark.

“In the mid-2000s, I interviewed singer Olivia Newton-John when she performed a POPS concert,” he added. “And in 2009, I interviewed Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds, who was in town narrating ‘Peter and the Wolf’ with OKCPHIL. After her performance, she took my hand backstage and said ‘Thank you, Mark. Thank you for taking the time to get the story right.’

“It’s that level of professionalism, integrity and dedication I bring to my new role,” Beutler said. “We have so many ways for the public to get involved, so many stories to share. Stories about not only the music, but the educational programs, the Overture Society for young professionals, and many others. I am so happy to join the team.”