THE Toledo Opera performed at a recent Party in the Park overlooking the Maumee River. Mezzo-soprano Julia Gries and soprano Sara Mortensen performed, accompanied by Artistic Director Kevin Bylsma. Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman announced the 2026-2027 board leadership. 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. In addition to its elected officers, the three new board members are: Myra D. Merritt-Grant, Jeff Green, and James Hartung.
Merritt-Grant is an internationally acclaimed soprano and retired professor emeritus of voice at Bowling Green State University. She has performed in many of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and throughout Europe.
Green is an entrepreneur, executive advisor, and community leader helping organizations grow through strategic planning, leadership development, and operational excellence. He founded GreenCo Enterprises, a strategic consulting firm. Among his community work, he is the co-founder of BeInstrumenal, a nonprofit organization for young people.
Hartung is an internationally recognized leader in maritime transportation, economic development, and public policy, advancing regional and global commerce. He is the managing director of Port-Development Solutions LLC; chairman of the board and executive vice president of SeaSnake World Wide Marketing, LLC.; former president of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority; holds numerous national and international leadership positions, and currently is the executive vice chairman of the Greater Toledo Urban League. He is also a mayoral appointee of the Toledo Sister Cities International.
For more information about Toledo Opera visit toledoopera.org.
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