Staff
About
MARY STEFFEK BLASKE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mary Steffek Blaske is responsible for the A2SO’s audience development, concert-related public relations, educational programs, and production. Steffek Blaske oversees the A2SO administrative staff in the execution of all Symphony Orchestra activities. Mary is a highly skilled nonprofit director with over 25 years of managerial experience. Steffek Blaske also possesses… Read more…
LORI ZUPAN, BUSINESS MANAGER
Lori Zupan is responsible for budgeting, tracking and managing all of the A2SO’s finances, as well as coordinating subscription ticket sales and producing the programs distributed to patrons at concerts. Zupan also works on Hearts for the Arts, our primary educational fundraiser. Lori is the A2SO’s longest serving employee, and… Read more
JENNIFER BALCH HALE, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & DONOR SERVICES
Jennifer Balch Hale brings to the A2SO over 25 years of non-profit experience, and a specialization in donor relations, development, planned and endowment giving, and stewardship. Jennie is a true Ann Arbor townie and a graduate of… Read more…
JIM LANCIONI, PERSONNEL MANAGER
Production Manager Jim Lancioni is responsible for auditioning and hiring the A2SO’s musicians, as well as renting and purchasing all music needed for performances. Jim obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan in 1978. He has been Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Timpanist for over… Read More…
KARA SUDHEIMER, PATRON SERVICES MANAGER
Kara Sudheimer is responsible for giving customers welcoming contact, handling ticket orders, and preparing for special events. Ms. Sudheimer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Management from the University of Evansville in 1996, combining her musical knowledge and skill on violin (as well as several other instruments)…Read more…
KIRA WOODFIELD LEEPER, EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Kira Woodfield Leeper is responsible for the implementation of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s educational and community engagement programs. Kira joined the A2SO as Production Coordinator in December 2015. Kira is a Metro-Detroit musician, educator and arts administrator. She attended Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance under…Read more…
ERIN CASLER, PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Erin Casler graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2012 with a degree in Entrepreneurship. Since moving to Southeast Michigan in 2014, she has held a number of positions with prestigious arts organizations, including the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, UMS, and now returns to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to resume…Read more…
MIGUEL CISNEROS, ASSISTANT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Miguel Cisneros has worked with the Ann Arbor Symphony for since 2015. Miguel has sung with the Ann Arbor Symphony 3 times at the annual Holiday Pops concert. Miguel is currently an undeclared undergrad but loves complexity, ethics, and mathematics. He enjoys keeping the arts an active part of his life through his work as an assistant production coordinator with the A2SO.
YI-CHING CHEN, EDUCATION & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Yi-Ching Chen is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s educational programs and she oversees the A2SO’s volunteer force. Yi-Ching joined the A2SO as an intern in the summer of 2017. She received her doctoral degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Michigan, where…Read more…
TYLER RAND, MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
Tyler Rand brings over ten years of arts administration experience to the A2SO, with a special emphasis in classical music marketing and fundraising. He comes to the A²SO from Classical 90.5 WSMC in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he served in many roles, including On-Air Host, Music Director, and Social Innovation Manager. He is also an…Read more…
