Staff and Board | Olympia Symphony

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Hermann

AFFILIATIONS
Board Member, South Sound Partners for Philanthropy; Steering Committee, Northwest Orchestras; Steering Committee, Leave 10 South Sound; Advisory Board, Oly Hutch Guild

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
The Olympia Symphony unites our community through the transformative power of music. After years spent as a pianist and music educator I have found my “dream job I never knew to dream about.” Leading this organization, composed of my musical friends and colleagues, is a true joy. Whether on stage, in classrooms, or out in neighborhoods, the OSO enriches our lives in the South Sound, and I am proud and excited to be a part of our future together.

ADMIN ASSISTANT
Renée Zimmerman

AFFILIATIONS
Washington Center Artistic Partner; South Sound Partners for Philanthropy; Committee Member, Scout Troop 48

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
After spending a goodly portion of my life on stage, I am enjoying using my non-musical skills to make music behind the scenes!

FINANCE DIRECTOR
Milt Harper

AFFILIATIONS
Board Member, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia; Fire Commissioner, Fire District 8/South Bay Fire Department

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
Great people, great music, strengthening our community.

PERSONNEL MANAGER
Laura Goben Harper

AFFILIATIONS
Sigma Alpha Iota (International Women's Music Fraternity); International Double Reed Society Member; Harper Music Studio; Community Loaves

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
I auditioned for the OSO's principal oboe seat in 2016 because of the high quality of musicians in the orchestra and the wonderful performances the organization puts on. I added the Personnel Manager position because I enjoy connecting great musicians with other great musicians, and helping the organization run as smoothly as we can. I am excited about where we are headed and how we have been shaken from our normal routine - it's good to keep music fresh and engaging!

MUSIC LIBRARIAN
Lucy Winter

AFFILIATIONS
Musician, Olympia Symphony Orchestra

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
I have been playing for the OSO for 30 years and can't imagine my life without this fantastic group.

ACCOUNTING
Bernadette Rivard

AFFILIATIONS
B3 Business Solutions, P.S.

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
I truly enjoy being part of the symphony even if it is just behind the scenes. This organization keeps the arts alive in our local area. I am blessed beyond words to be part of this amazing team!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Hermann

ADMIN ASSISTANT

Renée Zimmerman

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Milt Harper

PERSONNEL MANAGER

Laura Goben Harper

MUSIC LIBRARIAN

Lucy Winter

ACCOUNTING

Bernadette Rivard

BOARD

PRESIDENT
Bill Tweit

AFFILIATIONS
Special Assistant, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

BOARD DIRECTOR
Lena Mendiola

AFFILIATIONS
Director of Member Services and Education, Washington Public Utility Districts Association; Member and Committee Chair, Junior League of Olympia; Member and Committee Member, Washington Society of Association Executives

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

SECRETARY

AFFILIATIONS

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

TREASURER
Craig Stephens

AFFILIATIONS
General Manager, Hillenbrand Industries (retired)

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

BOARD DIRECTOR
Chris Barnes

AFFILIATIONS
Principal, Emphatic Communications; Co-Designer, Design for Healthcare Seattle

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
The Olympia Symphony has been a part of my life for over 20 years and I have always seen the orchestra as a leading arts organization in the South Sound -- it inspires young people, engages musicians in common purpose and community, and challenges and entertains diverse audiences. I am thrilled to be able to contribute as a Board member, and tremendously excited about our future.

BOARD DIRECTOR
Eric Charneski

AFFILIATIONS
Founder, PLAYlive Nation; Board Member, Pope John Paul II High School; Board Member, L & E Bottling

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

BOARD MEMBER
Laurel Gonzalo

AFFILIATIONS
Musician; Composer; Instructor; Board Member, West Olympia Community Vision Group

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
I want to encourage and expand the presence of the OSO in the greater Olympia area.

BOARD DIRECTOR
Priscilla Lincoln

AFFILIATIONS
Social Services Coordinator, Northrop Grumman (retired)

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT

BOARD DIRECTOR
Wes Martin

AFFILIATIONS
Sound Business Brokers

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
Our lives are filled with obligations that pull us in all directions as well as so many negative influences that divide us. The Olympia Symphony represents something real and positive within our community. It is a refreshing beacon of light and hope for everyone. Through the beauty of music performance, our differences melt away. This is the magic that I want to be a part of.

BOARD DIRECTOR
Todd Monohon

AFFILIATIONS
Owner/President, Olympic Rentals; Olympia Downtown Alliance; NARPM; Board Member, Thurston County Chamber

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
The Olympia Symphony provides a level of live performance in a genre that is both historically-rooted and dynamically changing at this time. For a small community, this is a resource that helps us rise to another level.

BOARD DIRECTOR
Kelly Seago

AFFILIATIONS
Attorney, Law Office of Kelly L Seago; Member, Washington State Bar Association

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
After moving to the Olympia area coming from Chicago I was excited to find the ability to both experience quality symphonic performances but also to become involved as a board member. I was and am proud to promote and support our fine local musicians that bring a uniquely community oriented approach to music that enlightens and enlivens the south sound with a focus on education that extends from the youngest music students to our long term supporters. The Olympia Symphony Orchestra was a unique and exciting organization prior to the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions but has thrived through innovation and outreach during these difficult times, with an eye to a solid future.

LIFETIME TRUSTEE
Renee Ries

AFFILIATIONS
Founder, Fairchild Record Search (retired); Board Director 1998-2015, Board Vice President 1999-2001 and 2011-2013, Board President 2001-2003, Lifetime Trustee 2016-present, Olympia Symphony Orchestra

PERSONAL OSO STATEMENT
I've watched this organization morph into something really special. It's been an amazing adventure to watch these changes unfold over the years.

PRESIDENT

Bill Tweit

VICE PRESIDENT

Lena Mendiola

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Craig Stephens

BOARD DIRECTOR

Chris Barnes

BOARD DIRECTOR

Eric Charneski

BOARD DIRECTOR

Laurel Gonzalo

BOARD DIRECTOR

Priscilla Lincoln

BOARD DIRECTOR

Wes Martin

BOARD DIRECTOR

Todd Monohon

BOARD DIRECTOR

Kelly Seago

LIFETIME TRUSTEE

Renee Ries