Posted June 20, 2025
DAYTON, OH (June 20, 2025) —The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) concluded its 2024–2025 Season at its Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees, highlighting a year of exceptional artistic achievement, revenue growth, and organizational momentum. From record-setting performances to significant fundraising milestones, the meeting reflected a thriving institution entering its next chapter with strength and vision.
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance continues to build on a strong foundation of artistic excellence and financial stewardship. Fundraising has increased by 50% since fiscal year 2019, which is evidence of growing community support and confidence in the organization’s direction. Additionally, the Neal Gittleman 30th Anniversary Campaign raised $255,000, honoring Maestro Gittleman’s remarkable leadership and legacy.
Earned revenue is also on the rise, with year-over-year income up by $180,000. Recent performances have drawn enthusiastic audiences, including record-breaking ticket sales for the Dayton Ballet’s newly reimagined production of The Nutcracker. Guided by the artistic vision of Kathleen Clawson, Dayton Opera’s powerful production of Aida captivated audiences and reached 91% capacity over two performances. This success reflects a 30% year-over-year increase in opera attendance, continuing the strong momentum built under her leadership in fiscal year 2024.
In addition, the 2024–2025 Season saw new initiatives take shape across the organization. Under the artistic leadership of Brandon Ragland, Dayton Ballet expanded its footprint with a successful runout performance at Butler University and launched the Dayton Ballet Studio Company, offering emerging dancers valuable professional experience. Dayton Ballet also celebrated strong year-over-year dancer retention—an important indicator of artistic stability.
The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra continued to advance its role on the world stage with a special Concert for Peace in collaboration with the Sarajevo Philharmonic, performed as part of the recent NATO summit. The season also featured two significant premieres: “London Landscape” by British composer Malcolm Singer and “Nova Plexus” by American composer Derrick Skye—a rhythmic and genre-blending work that quickly became a crowd favorite. These bold artistic choices underscore the Philharmonic’s commitment to innovation, cultural dialogue, and global connection through music.
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance reached more than 65,000 individuals through its Learning and Community Engagement programs in the 2024–2025 Season. This included 232 in-school presentations by DPAA’s ensembles, Opera Artists-in-Residence, and Ballet School performers, as well as 36 additional community engagement events. Signature programs such as the Young People’s Concerts, Magic Carpet, Youth Orchestras, Strings ensembles, and Dayton Ballet School performances drew nearly 14,000 attendees. DPAA’s participatory programs continue to thrive, with 189 students enrolled in Youth Orchestras and Q the Music; 290 students and adults participating in Ballet School programming (in 44 weekly classes); and 146 active EnCorps volunteers supporting this vital work.
Board of Trustee Officer Elections
The Board of Trustees elected the following Officers for the term beginning July 1, 2025: Joseph Zehenny, Chair; Patricia McDonald, Vice Chair; Rev. Joshua Ward, Secretary; Rodney Veal, Assistant Secretary; Timothy Riordan, Treasurer; and Patrick Martin, Assistant Treasurer. The Board of Trustees extended one additional year to Dr. Edward Tomme as “Immediate Past Chair.”
Welcoming New Trustees
DPAA welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees. These trustees will serve a two-year term, beginning on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Nirmala Abraham – M.D., Kettering Health
Dr. Nirmala Abraham is a practicing physician with Kettering Health and a longtime supporter of the performing arts. A Maryland native, she began performing as a pianist and violinist at a young age and continues to play annually with the New England Symphonic Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. Since moving to Dayton 14 years ago, she and her partner, Scotty Blackburn, have been enthusiastic supporters of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. Dr. Abraham is passionate about expanding access to the arts and envisions initiatives like a “Medicine and Music” concert to engage the healthcare community. Outside of medicine and music, she enjoys golfing, traveling, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and crafting handmade gifts.
Sarah Burns – Chief Financial Officer, Solvita
Sarah Burns joined Solvita as the CFO in 2023. She began her career in public accounting before transitioning to private industry where she has held progressive leadership positions within private equity/real estate, aviation, construction, and insurance. She has led global finance teams at a Fortune 100 company, with expertise in financial excellence, cost modeling, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic growth planning. Originally from Minnesota, Burns earned her accounting degree from Seattle University and has lived in Ohio for the past 13 years with her husband and three sons. An active community leader, she has served as President or Treasurer on six nonprofit boards over the last decade.
Kathy Harper – Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Premier Health
Kathy Harper is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Premier Health, where she leads integrated strategies to elevate brand visibility and deepen community engagement. With over 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and strategic planning, Harper has held key leadership roles since joining Premier Health in 2011, including Vice President of Operations at what is now Miami Valley Hospital North. Her earlier career includes senior leadership positions at Standard Register and Union Bank. A committed community leader, Harper serves on the Board of Wayne HealthCare; is active in several professional and civic organizations; and was recognized as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Dayton Business Journal in 2022. A University of Dayton alumna and Leadership Dayton Class of 2025 member, she is also a passionate advocate for the arts and their role in creating vibrant, connected communities.
Returning Trustees and Board Transitions
In addition to the election of new trustees, DPAA also re-elected several current trustees for a second two-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Second-term trustees include Dr. Zachary Beck, Christopher Coombs, Dr. Samuel Dorf, Robyn Lightcap, and Dr. Daniel Zehringer.
DPAA re-elected three trustees to serve a third two-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Third-term trustees include Allyson Danis, Patricia McDonald, and Rev. Joshua Ward.
The Board recognized outgoing members Deborah Gross, Todd Press, Courtney Ditmer, and Katrina Wahl for their service. Tom Burkhardt also leaves the Board after seven years of service; Burkhardt was designated as an “Emeritus Trustee.”
Honoring Neal Gittleman’s 30-Year Legacy
The Annual Meeting also celebrated the long and illustrious tenure of Neal Gittleman, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO). Gittleman has led the DPO since 1995, acting as the fourth Music Director in the orchestra’s 93-year history. During his 30 years on the podium, Gittleman took the orchestra to artistic heights and launched numerous youth and community engagement programs, including the beloved Stained Glass and Philharmonster series. In addition to celebrating his anniversary, DPAA also recognized his departure: Gittleman retires June 30, 2025. He returns to the DPO podium during the 2025–2026 Season in a special farewell performance entitled, “With Friends, For Friends” (October 3 and 4). Season tickets are now available online at datytonperformingarts.org.
Retiring Personnel
In addition to recognizing Neal Gittleman, the DPAA Board of Trustees also recognized several other personnel who retire in June 2025.
After an extraordinary tenure with the organization, Dr. Patrick Reynolds announced his intent to retire in Spring of 2025. For 27 years, Dr. Reynolds served as Associate Conductor of the DPO, and for 25 years, he led the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with dedication, artistry, and a deep commitment to music education. His impact on generations of young musicians and audiences alike leaves a lasting legacy at DPAA.
Several longtime members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra are also retiring this year: violinist Janet George (43 years), violinist Lynn Rohr (41 years), flutist Becky Andres (41 years), and trumpeter Alan Siebert (33 years). These esteemed musicians were honored for their decades of artistry and dedication during the Masterworks concerts on June 13 and 14.
Joseph Zehenny, Chair of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Board of Trustees, comments: “The Board and I are incredibly proud of the progress the DPAA made during our 2024–2025 Season. The organization is on the rise. As we bid farewell to Neal Gittleman, we recognize the profound legacy that he leaves behind. We are committed to building upon the foundation and vision that Neal helped to create.”