CINCINNATI (Oct. 7, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera announces the election of officers for its board of trustees for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, as well as the addition of nine trustees and two Cincinnati Opera Board Associates.
Officers were elected at Cincinnati Opera’s Annual Meeting on September 18, 2024, and will serve one-year terms. They include:
- President Ronald T. Bates, Managing Director, 1919 Investment Counsel
- Chair Melanie M. Chavez, Partner, Chavez Properties
- Treasurer Robert Bitter, Partner, Deloitte & Touche
- Secretary Charles E. Baverman III, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl
Also as of the Annual Meeting, new trustees and new members of the Cincinnati Opera Board Associates, a subsidiary of the board of trustees composed of young professionals, began their three-year terms.
New trustees include:
- Aine Baldwin, Senior Attorney, The Kroger Co.
- Onassis Caneris, M.D., interventional pain management specialist, Riverhills Neuroscience
- Kristy Davis-Mustain, Employee Engagement and Internal Communications Manager, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
- Mike Kelly, founder and principal advisor, Kelly Financial Planning, LLC
- Helen Kemp, R&D Director, Disruptive Innovation and Feminine Wellness Platform, Procter & Gamble
- Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby, retired, Northern Kentucky University
- Tarita Preston, professional life and leadership coach
- Cristina Rugg, Senior Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble
- Ann Santen, retired, 90.9 WGUC
New Board Associates include:
- Sawyer Clifton, Account Executive, Integrity Express Logistics
- Nicolette Rader, Engagement Officer, Cincinnati Parks Foundation
About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.
Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera receives funds from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The company also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.
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