Varnum labor and employment attorney Luis Avila has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Symphony. The appointment was announced at the annual meeting of the Grand Rapids Symphony Society in May.
Avila is a labor and employment attorney representing clients in a variety of traditional labor matters and before the National Labor Relations Board and Michigan Employment Relations Commission. He counsels employers on workplace matters and represents clients under the various state and federal statutes that govern the employment relationship.
Avila’s background includes extensive international work, including for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, and for a large international firm in Mexico City, Mexico. Avila previously worked for the London-based AIRE Centre, which focused on impact litigation for European civil and human rights.
In addition to the symphony, Avila serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He also serves (by appointment of Gov. Rick Snyder) on the Michigan Board of Medicine and on the boards of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Wedgwood Christian Services.
The Grand Rapids Symphony is nationally recognized for the quality of its concerts and educational programs. More than 400 performances are given each year. Affiliated organizations include the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses. Founded in 1930, the Symphony’s 88th season begins September 1.