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ALBANY, GA --
The Albany Symphony Orchestra has brought back Dr. Claire Fox Hillard to the program, despite his run-in with Camilla police in August 2011.

Hillard was suspended in August 2011 after an attempted sex act at a Camilla hotel and was not reinstated at a December 2011 board meeting.

Jim Bullion, President of the Albany Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors said they did it due to wanting to help Albany economically. After a national search, they believe to have the right man for the job.

“The Board has reversed itself which is always a difficult thing for the board to do. Not everybody is going to be happy with our decision,” said Bullion.

Some Board members view him as someone knowledgeable, with over 20 years of experience serving with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. However, three members of the board and two staff members have resigned including Judge Joe Bishop, Barbara Rivera Holmes, and Rachelle Bitterman and staffers Lynn Sawyer Ed Trammell. But the Board wouldn't say if their resignations are directly related to the rehiring of Hillard.

FOX 31 also spoke with orchestra member Bob Hubbard who's been with the Symphony for the past 27 years.

"My thoughts are completely neutral. Dr. Hilliard is a very fine musician and a fine conductor. He's done a outstanding job of leading this orchestra for the past 24 years.

But if change would have occurred, he would've been ready.

"I would have been okay if the Board would have made a different decision. I think the whole number of events this year has been rather unfortunate with decisions flip flopping back and forth which has not been particular constructive to the Orchestra" said Hubbard.

Dr. Hillard is expected to return in September.