Toledo Opera is pleased to announce the election of its Board of Directors officers and the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 season.
The Executive Committee for the 2026-2027 season is led by Jennifer Poirier, President; Kate French, Vice President; Maureen Brown, Treasurer; William Mathis, Secretary; Joel Gorski, Immediate Past President, and Members-at-Large John Fedderke and Houston Young.
“I am proud of the Toledo Opera Association and the remarkable programs and performances it brings to our community,” said Poirier. “I am honored to lead their board for the next two years.”
Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman expressed his appreciation for the work of the Toledo Opera Board of Directors: “Our Board plays a vital role in shaping the future of Toledo Opera, and I am excited to welcome our new board leadership and newest members. Their diverse expertise, passion for the arts, and commitment to our community will help us build on our momentum as we continue to expand our artistic excellence, strengthen our educational programs, and ensure that the opera remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.”
In addition to its elected officers, Toledo Opera welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors: Myra D. Merritt-Grant, Jeff Green, and James Hartung. Their diverse professional experience and commitment to the arts will further strengthen Toledo Opera’s governance and support the organization’s mission of producing world-class opera while expanding arts education and community engagement throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
Myra D. Merritt‑Grant is an internationally acclaimed soprano and retired Emeritus Professor of Voice at Bowling Green State University. A graduate of The Peabody Conservatory and The Catholic University of America, she has performed in many of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, where she debuted under conductor James Levine and appeared in several “Live from the Met” broadcasts. Her career has taken her throughout Europe and she has appeared in concerts/operas in Helsinki, Moscow, Estonia, Ekaterinburg, and the U.S., singing major roles with renowned conductors, including James Levine, Julius Rudel, Placido Domingo and Sarah Caldwell, and has recorded on labels such as Deutsche Grammophon and RCA. She has been featured in several magazines including Glamour Magazine and the Washington View Magazine. In addition, Ms. Merritt is included in the Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia; Famous African Americans Encyclopedia and most recently a reference book for teachers entitled Educator’s Sourcebook of African American Heritage. Myra is married to Dr. Roger L. Grant, deeply values her faith and family, and enjoys nurturing her collection of houseplants — especially African violets — when she’s not supporting young artists or attending performances.
Jeff Green is an entrepreneur, executive advisor, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow through strategic planning, leadership development, and operational excellence. Jeff is the founder of GreenCo Enterprises, a strategic consulting firm that partners with privately held businesses to accelerate growth, strengthen leadership teams, improve operational performance, and execute long-term strategic initiatives. He currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for Annex, Director of Strategy & Sales for Gross Lighting & Home, and provides executive advisory services to organizations across multiple industries. Previously, Jeff served as CEO of Allshred Services, growing the company into one of the Midwest’s leading information destruction providers before successfully leading its acquisition by VRC Companies in 2021. Jeff is also the co-founder of BeInstrumenal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful musical experiences and opportunities to underserved children throughout the region. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local supporters, BeInstrumental works to inspire young people and expand access to music education and performance opportunities. Committed to serving his community, Jeff is a member of the Board of Directors of Toledo Opera and serves as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees for Pathway. He is passionate about helping both businesses and nonprofit organizations achieve sustainable growth while creating lasting impact. Jeff and his wife, Tamara, live in Sylvania with their three children, Gabe, Avi, and Maya.
James Hartung is an internationally recognized leader in maritime transportation, economic development, and public policy with decades of experience advancing regional and global commerce. He is the Managing Director of Port-Development Solutions LLC, a maritime and economic development consulting firm, and serves as Chairman of the Board and Executive Vice President of SeaSnake World Wide Marketing, LLC. Formerly President of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Mr. Hartung is widely recognized for his visionary leadership in establishing Northwest Ohio as a major intermodal transportation hub and for expanding innovative port financing initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held numerous national and international leadership positions, including Chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities and President of the International Association of Great Lakes Ports. A dedicated civic leader, Mr. Hartung has served on numerous advisory boards, including those of The University of Toledo, and currently serves as Executive Vice Chairman of the Greater Toledo Urban League. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to economic development and international trade, including Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash and the James Hartung Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Hartung and his wife, Anna, have two children and three grandchildren.
For more information about Toledo Opera and its Board of Trustees, please visit toledoopera.org. For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.
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