Mr. Blair was the founding President of the Ohio Foundation of the Arts, Inc., a statewide arts service corporation; and is a past President and Executive Committee Member of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, an association he has maintained for over 45 years. In 2019, the CSO honored him for his service to us and the Arts. He has received numerous awards and prizes for work in the arts and humanities including the Cleveland Arts Prize in July 2006 and Americans for the Arts award for state arts Advocacy. He is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal from The Ohio State University and the Heinlen Award from the Ohio State University Alumni Association for his work on behalf of his alma mater.
Mr. Blair is directly responsible for arts organizations existing in the capacity that they do statewide. His efforts have supported the enrichment of countless lives through art and music, for both those who receive and those who create it. He spent his entire life working to prove that access to the arts is a basic human right.
From all of us who are artists, advocates, administrators, and patrons… thank you, Bill. You fought the good fight for us all.
President
Gail has previously served as the director of the Artful Living and Learning program offered by the Stark County Educational Service Center. These days, she is the driving force behind Canton Symphony Orchestra, ensuring the organization is fulfilling its mission as a nonprofit orchestra.
Treasurer
Kathy is the Director of Rehabilitation Services at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. She has been on the Canton Symphony board and a member of the Finance Committee since 2018. She became Chair of the Finance Committee in 2020. She has always felt that support of the arts in our community is vital. “The Canton Symphony provides Stark County more than musical talent: it provides a community partner that helps strengthen our culture.”
Musician Representative
Margaret M. “Meg” Matuska has been a member of the second violin section of the Canton Symphony since 1999. She holds a Masters degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Meg works as a full-time church musician at Communion of Saints Parish in Cleveland Heights, and is happy to offer her perspective as the musician representative to the CSO board.
Chorus Representative
Robin has been singing with the Canton Symphony Chorus since 2016 and is honored to serve as its representative on the CSO board. She is passionate about CSO and the transformative power of music, connecting people and positively impacting lives. Robin is the CEO of Seaton Delta Consulting, providing strategic change management services for profit and nonprofit organizations for over 30 years.
Recorder
Jan enjoys all types of music, but classical is her favorite. She has served on the board of the CSO for many years, considering it to be a great fit for her interests. As an educator at Malone University for over twenty years, her efforts on the CSO education committee are especially important to her.
Member
John Abbott is the Contract Administrator for The Beaver Excavating Company and has been on the board since the fall of 2018 – serving on the Education and Community Engagement committee (chair 2020-21) as well as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee. He enjoys going to concerts and listening to live music with his wife Andrea, son Logan, and daughters Jameson and Alessia.
Member
Dr. Banks is a board certified medical doctor that specializes in infectious diseases. She practices at Mercy Health in Youngstown and has been a board member of the CSO for many years. She believes strongly that classical music, educational programming, and innovative concert experiences allows communities to grow and thrive.
Member
Lauren Capo is the morning show co-host & director of operations for Q92 Radio and has over 20 years of marketing experience. She loves music and wants to see the local community embrace live performance of all genres. “The Canton Symphony Orchestra has such a talented group of musicians and professionals that I’m honored to be a part of.”
Member
Member
Alison Jacob joined the CSO Board because, as a Canton native, she wants to help sustain the symphony as one of Stark County’s greatest cultural assets. As a counselor by profession, she knows how important the arts and music can be to personal growth and healing. “You don’t have to have musical talent to be here- just an open mind and heart!”
Member
Jonathan is excited to serve as a trustee. He has had an interest in orchestral music for decades and is an amateur musician as a hobby. Jonathan graduated from Kent State University, is a system engineer for Oriana House in Akron Ohio, and resides in Canton. He also serves on the steering committee of Stark Pride as the co-chair of logistics and on his neighborhood association board.
Member
Steve first saw the CSO in 1989 whilst on a business trip to the States. After moving to Canton in 2006, Steve and his family started regularly attending the Masterworks concerts and joined the board in 2007. He has been involved with CSO ever since.
Member
Bob Leibensperger has been a supporter of the Canton Symphony Orchestra for decades. Bob was co-chairman of the fundraising campaign to construct Zimmermann Symphony Center. Previously, he was the president of Timken Steel, pioneering several manufacturing processes that led Timken to success.
Member
Tiffany Parker Kinnard is the Dean of Students at Walsh University, and brings more than 15 years of expertise in the division of Student Affairs having previously working in Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Multicultural Affairs. TK, as she is affectionately called, is also a community partner in Canton City Schools with the DIVA Leadership program focused on life skill and leadership development, and building confidence in young women.
Member
Amber Robinson is a hometown girl who loves the city of Canton. She was excited to unite with the CSO because music has the power to unite people from all walks of life. “The CSO’s commitment to positive change and embracing diversity has me excited as a board member for what’s to come for our community through artistic expression and music.”
Member
As a board member, Melissa Shiepis is passionate about spreading awareness for the amazing programs the CSO offers. With a background in music and a career in management/development, her goal is to help raise community awareness and involvement in the educational programs offered, from early childhood through adulthood. “Diversifying is so important, as music has the power to influence and shape young minds!”
Member
Robin Zollinger is member of The Timken Company’s finance leadership team and an arts enthusiast. As a lifelong Stark County resident she is thrilled to be part of an organization that brings the work of top talented musicians to our community.