The Board of Directors for the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra works diligently year-round to develop and execute on a strategy for growth, and fulfillment of the organizational mission. The board meets monthly as a full group. Key committees will have additional meetings as needed to address specific needs of the organization or special events.
Join the board! The MPO is actively recruiting new Board members! If you are interested in becoming a board member, please review the job responsibilities here and if you think you’d be a good fit, apply here. If you have any questions about the MPO or its Board of Directors, please contact Board President Kierra Lopac at president@mnphil.org.
Meet the Board & Artistic Staff
Brian Dowdy is a conductor, guitarist, and organizational leader committed to supporting the work of living music-makers and enriching the lives of community members through programming that expands artistic horizons, amplifies a diversity of voices, and creates courageous, compassionate world citizens. Brian currently serves as Artistic Director of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra and Community Director […]
Catherine Himmerich, concertmaster, joined the Minnesota Philharmonic in 2012 and was the featured soloist on Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane in 2016 and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto in 2019. She has performed with artists ranging from the Eagles and Hanson to Andrea Bocelli and Sigur Rós. She has also been concertmaster for various opera companies and choral/orchestral […]
Olivia Sletteland is a Minneapolis-based percussionist, arts administrator, and music educator with a passion for new music. In pursuing her passion for new music, Olivia has performed at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention on the New Music/Research Committee Concert Series and the Mizzou International Composers Festival and has been a part of over 30 […]
Daniel Meyers
Vice PresidentKenneth Kusiak
TreasurerPiano & Percussion
Raymond Cannon
At-large Board MemberTrombone
Rebecca Eilers
At-large Board MemberViolin
Grace Flinsch
At-large Board MemberViolin
Brian Hadley
Music LibrarianPrincipal Bassoon
Brian serves as the Music Librarian where he serves on the MPO’s Programming Committee, communicates with music publishers to rent or purchase performance pieces, manages the music library, distributes and collects the music to and from the musicians, and communicates issues relating to the Music Library with the Music Director and Board of Directors. Brian […]
Joe Dolson
WebmasterViolin, Associate Concertmaster
Joe is the former concertmaster of the MPO, and has been playing with the orchestra since the fall of 2000. In addition to the MPO, Joe plays in a duo with stand partner Catherine Himmerich and plays baroque violin in the baroque ensemble, “Sospiri.” Professionally, Joe helps organizations make their websites usable by people with […]
Standing Committees
- Executive Committee: comprised of the four executive officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary), this committee is responsible for the overall functioning and management of the MPO, similar to the executive leadership team of an organization; manages all paid and unpaid staff, board members, committee members, and volunteers.
- Development Committee: designs, develops, and implements fundraising strategies and plans; organizes fundraising events; handles all donor development and relations, as well as coordinates grant submissions/applications.
- Finance Committee: assists the Treasurer with all general accounting and bookkeeping; and, handles all financial matters for the organization including financial planning and budgeting, tax, regulatory filings, and insurance.
- Governance Committee: responsible for board relations, development, recruiting, and overall management; assists the Secretary with oversight, development, and adherence to policies, and organizational bylaws.
- Marketing Committee: develops marketing plans and manages general external communications and marketing activities, including online response/social media, print, and web.
- Programming Committee: in collaboration with the Music Director, develops engaging programs including selection and approval of repertoire, concert series/cycle theme, and overall tone/messaging of programs.