The Indianapolis Opera has hired Sara Pugh as advancement officer. She most recently served as senior director of program development and grants for Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired Lauren Oxley as  program developer at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site. She previously served as an interpretive naturalist at Pokagon State Park...

The co-leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra will be the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's next concertmaster. Violinist Kevin Lin will begin the position at the start of the 2020-2021 season.  

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has named Nora Woodman chief development officer. She brings more than 25 years of progressive development and fundraising experience to the position. 

LEX 530 Metropolitan Event Center in Elkhart has hired Rachel Dobrzykowski as event director. She most recently served as a recruitment specialist for the South Bend Tribune. Dobrzykowski also has more than 10 years of experience in hospitality and culinary arts. She has a background as a pastry chef and has previously worked in event sales and management.  

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has named Susan St. Angelo corporate relations manager. She most recently served as vice president and private banking officer at The National Bank of Indianapolis. St. Angelo has also owned and operated My Trusted Partner. She is a graduate of Culver Academies and DePauw University.

Geronimo Hospitality Group has hired Ryan Hickey as director of entertainment and programming. The company's properties include the Ironworks Hotel and the Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis.  Hickey co-founded ORANJE, an art-focused gathering of emerging artists and original music acts.  He also co-founded Pulp Functions, a digital marketing company geared towards helping small businesses with online content and advertising.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre has hired Kay Swank-Herzog as the new donor relations manager. Swank-Herzog brings her extensive background in marketing, sales, communications, and fundraising to assist with donor stewardship, individual giving, and support the IRT’s annual fund program. She holds a degree from Illinois State University. 

The Indianapolis Opera has appointed Maestro Alfred Savia as artistic advisor. He most recently served 30 years as music director of the Evansville Philharmonic. Savia was also associate conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. A native of Livingston, New Jersey, Savia graduated from Butler University’s Jordan College of the Arts.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has added conductor/arranger Steve Hackman as creative director of the Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony series for the 2019-20 season. He has held positions as creative director of FUSE at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, music director of the ‘Mash-Up’ series at the Colorado Music Festival and is founder/creative director of his music brand Stereo Hideout. 

Newfields has promoted Jonathan Berger to deputy director of marketing and external affairs. He has served as interim director for the past six months. Berger previously served as creative director for Sweden-based Dometic, a world leader in the RV and marine industry.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired James Sved as vice president of historic preservation and operations. Sved was formerly vice president and director of architecture at Archaeometrix, Inc. He will be responsible for preserving the museum's 11 historic sites, as well as the daily operations and long term maintenance. Sved holds a bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College and a master's degree from the University of Virginia. 

Newfields has named Michael Vetter assistant curator of contemporary art. In his new role, Vetter says he will make and implement a plan for reinstalling the permanent collection for The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s contemporary art program.    Vetter will also be responsible for outdoor sculpture commissions in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. 

The Indianapolis Zoo has named Bill Street senior vice president of conservation, education and life sciences. He most recently served as corporate curator of conservation and education for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and executive director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which has to date given more than $15 million in grants to conservation and education organizations.

The Butler Arts Center has promoted Aaron Hurt to executive director. He has served as interim executive director since August. Hurt graduated from Butler with a bachelor of science degree in arts administration - music. After graduating, Hurt worked for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, the Chicago Children’s Choir, and then made his way back to Butler in 2013, as part-time manager of the Schrott Center.

As finishing touches are underway on the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting an executive director and full-time staff have been hired. Orestes Hernandez has been announced as executive director. Hernandez formerly was vice president of business development at the Coral Gables Museum near Miami. He has also worked more than 15 years with the Miami Marlins and the PGA Tour. 

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed Kimberly Bredemeier acting executive director. Her responsibilities include managing the human and financial resources of the organization in order to achieve the orchestra's mission. Bredemeier has served as director of operations for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra for 15 seasons.

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir has appointed Liam Bonner executive director, beginning in January 2019. He previously served as manager of the Houston Symphony Orchestra's development department annual giving groups, fundraising specialist for the annual Ima Hogg Competition. Prior to that, Bonner was as a professional singer.

Two experienced development professionals have joined the staff of the Center for the Performing Arts and the Great American Songbook Foundation. Braden Hurley has been named director of corporate development. Also, Kendra Latta has been hired as director of individual development.

The Terre Haute Children’s Museum has named Susan Turner executive director. She most recently served as senior director of advancement and alumni relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Prior to that Turner worked at Vermillion Rise Mega Park as marketing director and at UAP Clinic as marketing and public relations manager.

The Indiana Historical Society has appointed Jody Blankenship president and chief executive officer. He has held leadership positions at some of the country’s most distinguished state history societies. Blankenship most recently served as CEO of the Connecticut Historical Society.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has named Elisa Phelps vice president and chief curatorial officer. She will start her new duties in November. For the past 14 years, Phelps has served as director of collections and library departments at History Colorado in Denver. In that role, she has had overall management of the curatorial, collections and library departments, and supervised a staff of 14.

Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in Michigan City has new leaders. Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming Corp. says Brenda Temple will serve as general manager and Bret Cox as assistant general manager. Temple most recently served as assistant general manager at Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. Cox has worked at several Boyd Gamin properties.

Full House Resorts Inc. has named Benjamin Douglass general manager of the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun. He will transfer from the Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Nevada, where he has served as its GM since March 2017. Prior to that, Douglass worked for four years as assistant general manager of the Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

The Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne has named Barb Richards chief engagement officer. She most recently served as general manager for the Fort Wayne CW television station. Richards also spent three years as the Embassy Theatre’s marketing director.

The Auburn Cord Deusenberg Automobile Museum has named Brandon Anderson chief executive officer. He previously worked at museums in South Bend, North Carolina and Florida, and officially began his new role earlier this month. ACDAM Board of Trustees Chair Herb Horrom says the selection came after "an extensive national search," citing Anderson's "expertise, energy and passion for historic structures."

The executive director of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum is moving on. Lynn Hughes, who accepted the position nine years ago, led efforts to relocate the museum to its current home and most recently lined up funding for an indoor ropes challenge course. Jamie McDowell has been named interim executive director. Hughes says she made the "difficult decision" to leave the museum in order to take a position as director of development for Hamilton Center Inc.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired Catherine Williams as a site manager for Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. She previously worked as a marketing and sales manager for SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio, where she developed marketing, sales, social media and advertising strategy.

The president and chief executive officer of the Arts Council of Indianapolis will step down in August. Dave Lawrence, who has been with the organization since 1999, is leaving to become CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County in Florida. Lawrence began his tenure at the council as a special projects director and was named vice president in 2005.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has named Jordan Rodden as northeast regional director. Nicole Rife (pictured) has been appointed director of education engagement. Gail Brown (pictured) has been named director of public and family engagement. Hayley Whitehead joined the museum as early childhood program manager. Also, Renee Bruck has been named manager of communication.

The Carmel-based Indiana Ballet Conservatory has named its new executive director. Jenny Okamoto succeeds Wilmara Manuel, who led the ballet training organization for more than two years.

Conner Prairie has named Sally McGuffey director of individual giving. She has more than 26 years of fundraising experience. McGuffey previously worked for Methodist Health Foundation, now the IU Health Foundation, where she was chief development office. Also, David Wagner has been appointed director of facilities. He previously served in a similar role for Compass Group USA at Texas A&M University in San Antonio, Texas.

The Great American Songbook Foundation has named Renée La Schiazza manager of programs and communications. She has experience in musical theater, social media and nonprofit fundraising. La Schiazza previously served as marketing and development associate for Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, North Carolina. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both Arts Administration and Music Theatre from North Carolina’s Elon University.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has named James Johnson chief executive officer. He is currently president and CEO of the Omaha Symphony Association. Johnson will join the ISO this spring after seven years in Nebraska.

The Center for the Performing Arts has chosen Michael Pettry as its vice president of development. He served as executive director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir since 2006, which he guided to national recognition and a six-fold increase in annual revenue and budget.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center has promoted Jackie Lewis to director of sales. She joined the organization in September 2016 as assistant general manager of Indiana Farmers Coliseum. With more than 12 years of experience in the event industry, Lewis will be responsible for overseeing all event sales initiatives, including the development and implementation of new market segments.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic sites has named Brian Mancuso (pictured) vice president of experience. Bethany Thomas (pictured) has been appointed vice president of programs and education engagement. Jessi Klein has been named donor relations officer. Also, Stephanie Vowels has been appointed director of individual giving and stewardship.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has promoted Beth Van Why to chief officer of engagement. She has been with the museum since 2015 and most recently served as vice president of exhibitions. Also, Susannah Koerber has been promoted to chief curator and research officer. She previously served as senior vice president of collections and interpretation.

Conner Prairie  has named Susana Suarez vice president-chief marketing officer. She was previously a member of Governor Eric Holcomb’s senior executive team, having served in several positions, including executive director of strategic communications and the administration’s Neuro-Diagnostic Institute and Advanced Treatment Center, a division of Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration.

The Grissom Air Museum has a new executive director. Tom Jennings (pictured) most recently served as director of operations for the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. He succeeds Jim Price, who left the position after seven years to become director of development with United Way of Cass County. Jennings's experience includes nearly 30 years of experience in the visitor service space, with previous positions at the Toledo Zoo and the Henry Ford Museum.

Conner Prairie, one of the nation’s top outdoor history museums, has named Andrew Bradford vice president-chief development officer. He previously served as national director of donor stewardship for the national Alzheimer’s Association. Bradford was responsible for managing more than 100 donors who contributed more than $120 million to the organization.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has named Krishna Heyward chief financial officer. She brings more than 20 years of experience to the ISMHS leadership team. Heyward most recently served as controller of two divisions - Division of Family Resources and the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning at the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

The Indianapolis Zoo Board of Trustees has approved a plan to address the upcoming retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Crowther in January 2020. The board says his role will be split into two positions for the next two years. Under the plan, Crowther will remain CEO, while Zoo Director Rob Shumaker will assume the role of president.

Sampson Levingston has joined the White River State Park Development Commission as marketing and social media manager. He previously worked at Midwest Communications in Terre Haute and has volunteered for Special Olympics. Levingston also helped coach at the Mike Sanford Football Camp and worked as a mentor to youth in Terre Haute.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center has named Sharon Smith communications manager. She joins the organization after launching and running an Indianapolis-based PR firm, Maverick Public Relations, for 12 years.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields has promoted Annette Schlagenhauff (pictured) to curator of European Art. She has been with the IMA since 2003 and has held the roles of assistant curator, prints, drawings, and photographs and associate curator for research. Most recently Schlagenhauff served as curator of special projects. Also, Kjell Wangensteen has been named assistant curator of European Art.

Erik Beck has been promoted to executive director of the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden in Evansville. He has served in the role on an interim basis as well as director of operations. Beck has been with Mesker Park since 1995 and will also serve as executive director of the Evansville Zoological Society.

The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel has named Jeffrey McDermott president and chief executive officer. He has served in the role on an interim basis since August 2016. McDermott will also lead the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation. He succeeds Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, who left to become CEO of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

The American Pianists Association has appointed Joanne Bennett general manager. She previously served as director of operations and facilities for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is stepping down to take on a new role in Washington D.C. Gary Ginstling, who has led the ISO since 2013, will become the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra. Before joining the ISO, he served as the general manager of The Cleveland Orchestra.

Janna Hymes has been named music director and conductor for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. She has served as music director for the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra of Virginia since 2004, as well as the Maine Pro Musica Orchestra that she founded in 2008.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art has promoted Kathryn Haigh to chief operating officer. She will continue to manage the museum's art collection, exhibitions, conservation laboratories, historic sites, security and facilities operations, while playing a leading role in developing and implementing a new 30-year master plan for the institution. Haigh joined the IMA in 2007 after spending 13 years at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has appointed Joshua Lee as vice president of development. He currently serves as executive associate director of major and advanced gifts for the Indiana University School of Medicine. Lee will begin his new role with the ISO on May 1. He has served the Indiana University School of Medicine since 2006. 

The organization that puts on one of the largest annual events in Indianapolis has a new president. Seattle-based Gen Con LLC has hired industry veteran David Hoppe to fill the role. In addition, current Chief Executive Officer Adrian Swartout has announced she will retire after this summer's convention. Hoppe is currently vice president of marketing and business development for Seattle-based mobile game developer Blastworks Inc.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites President and Chief Executive Officer Tom King has announced his retirement. The board of directors has unanimously elected Cathy Ferree (pictured) to assume his role May 1.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has named Megan Simpson director of public relations. She spent more than five years as executive producer of the morning show at Fox59 TV in Indianapolis. Simpson also created and executed special content for big events like Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis 500.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre has named Danielle Dove director of marketing and sales. She previously served as director of marketing & community engagement at the Arts Council of Indianapolis, where she oversaw marketing initiatives for the Arts Council, Indianapolis Artsgarden and Gallery 924; as well as promoted the performances, programs and exhibitions of central Indiana's arts and cultural organizations.

Susan Springirth has been named vice president of finance at the Center for the Performing Arts. She recently served in a similar role at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. Springirth has also previously worked as controller and leader of the finance, technology and human resources team for the National FFA Organization.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has named Kristin Cutler director of communications. She brings more than a decade’s worth of broadcast, print, and digital media know-how to the position. Cutler previously served as media relations coordinator for Indianapolis Public Schools.

Indianapolis-based Markey’s Rental & Staging says Chuck Markey Jr. is retiring as chief executive officer, but will remain as chairman of the board.  Mark Miller (pictured), who has served as president since 2006, will now serve as president and CEO. Markey sold the company to the employees in 2012 in the form of an employee stock ownership plan.

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra, the 85-member Resident Orchestra at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, has added Marc Huber to its administrative team as director of development. He most recently served in a similar role for IUPUI University Library and as assistant director of development at the American Library Association, where he focused on corporate giving.

Joanna Hahn has been promoted to site manager for the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City. She began her career with the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites in 2002 focusing primarily on programs targeting students, educators and the general public. Hahn's responsibilities include oversight of the new visitor center scheduled to open to the public on December 10, 2016.

Indianapolis-based Freetown Village has elected officers for its board of directors. Carolyn Mosby (pictured) was appointed board chair. She is president and chief executive officer of the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council. 

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has appointed Nataly Lowder vice president for advancement. The museum also named Bert Beiswanger director of marketing and communications.

Sally Takada has joined the WonderLab team as its development director. She previously served as an associate director of development for the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and as development director for the University of Illinois School of Music and for the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival and Institute.

The Center for the Performing Arts has announced Tania Castroverde Moskalenko is leaving to become chief executive officer at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago. Jeffrey McDermott has been named interim president and chief executive officer of The Center and the Great American Songbook Foundation. He is a partner at Krieg DeVault LLP and current chairman of the board of the Songbook Foundation. 

Film Indy has hired Teresa Sabatine as the city's first film commissioner. She will be responsible for positioning the city as a production-friendly location for video and film projects. Film Indy is the two-year initiative that aims to bring film and television projects to Indianapolis. Sabatine, a graduate of Ball State University, previously served as the director of business development for People for Urban Progress.

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir has promoted Stephen McCoy to director of marketing and alumni relations. He has worked for the ICC for nine years and has served in several positions, including development associate and webmaster. McCoy successfully spearheaded several annual fundraising galas, a website redesign and several highly successful programs that have increased alumni engagement.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art has appointed Shelley Selim to associate curator of design and decorative arts. She comes from the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she served as Jeanne and Ralph Graham assistant curator. Selim will begin her new role July 18.

Markey's Rental & Staging has promoted Bradley Ehrlich to general manager of its Indianapolis headquarters. He most recently served as managing director of account services/director of NCAA account services. Ehrlich spent 10 years managing operations at the NCAA Hall of Champions.

The Museum of Miniature Houses in Carmel has named Rachel Tavaras its first collections manager. She has experience at house museums, farmsteads, county historical societies and art centers.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired Madeleine Smith as director of development. She previously worked at Purdue University as director of development in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Kelly Tooker and Victoria Johnston have been hired by the Ruthmere Museum in Elkhart. Tooker was named membership coordinator for Ruthmere Foundation and will be performing the duties of accounting manager. Johnston was appointed outreach curator for the museum.

Studebaker National Museum in South Bend has announced that Patrick Slebonick will replace Rebecca Bonham as executive director. Bonham will retire once Slebonick begins his new position February 1. Slebonick was previously associate director at Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia.

John Clare has been named the music director and voice for the Morning Classics program at WBAA in West Lafayette. Clare takes over for Jan Simon who retired in December. Clare was most recently the content director at KMFA, a classical music station in Austin, Texas.

Danielle Look has been named general manager at Do317, a comprehensive, interactive listing of everything happening in Indianapolis. Look was previously employed at Relevance as editor and publisher.

Jonathan Wright has been named the Ruth Lilly deputy director for horticulture and natural resources by the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). Wright has been a horticulturist for nearly 12 years at The Chanticleer Foundation in Wayne, Pennsylvania. He will begin his new role in early March.

Charlie Morgan has accepted the interim New York Market Manager position for Emmis Communications Corp. Morgan served as Emmis' Indianapolis market manager for six years. In New York, he will lead WBLS, WLIB and HOT97.

Joanna Robles will take on the role of community programs coordinator at Classical Music Indy. She is originally from Southern California and has a background in outreach, research and engaging diverse communities.

The Evansville Philharmonic has appointed Brian Onderdonk to conductor of its youth orchestra for the 2015-2016 season. Maestro Onderdonk recently served as assistant conductor for the IU Opera Theatre.

The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of new director José Rocha. He also serves an associate professor of music at Goshen College. Rocha has taught and directed middle school and high school orchestras in Florida, Texas and Mississippi for the past 15 years.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired Nathan Dynak as director of corporate sponsorships. He previously served as an account executive to area arts, events and non-profit organizations at NUVO Newsweekly. 

Miah Michaelsen has been named deputy director of the Indiana Arts Commission. She most recently served as assistant economic development director for the arts for the City of Bloomington. 

Ty Sutton has been named executive director of the Butler University Arts Center. He currently serves as general manager of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center in Midland, Texas, and will begin his new role October 19. 

Vince Lee has joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as an associate conductor beginning in the 2015-2016 season. He has held previous roles with the Union City Orchestra in New Jersey, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the AZLO Orchestra in New York City. Lee will make his ISO debut on October 25th.

Beth Van Why has joined the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites as associate vice president of exhibitions. She previously served as director of Eexhibition operations at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.