Board & Advisors
Board of Directors
The Opera Omaha Advisors are dedicated community leaders chosen for their diversity of expertise and experience gleaned from the opera world, business world, non-profit sector, and cultural life experiences. Key to the governance of Opera Omaha, Advisors provide expert guidance and support to Opera Omaha’s Board of Directors and staff to advance the company’s mission through financial contributions, consultation, advocacy, relationship building, committee service and involvement in long range planning.
Kiley Freeman
Chair
Barbara Person
Vice Chair
Dr. Ali Khan
Secretary
Linda Burt Rebrovic
Treasurer
Allison Swenson
General Director (ex-officio)
Nicholas Bjornson
Anne Bruckner
Mihaela Kobjerowski
Hillary Nather-Detisch
David Offutt
Jane Offutt
Terri Sanders
Joe Spitzenberger
Jara Sturdivant-Wilson
Jerry Syslo
Tony Vargas
Dr. Jawed Bharwani
(ex-officio)
Carrie Nath
(ex-officio)
Emeritus
Terrence J. Ferguson
Robert E. Owen
Mary Ann Strasheim
Advisors
Linda Andersen
Jo Bartikoski
Dr. Jawed Bharwani
Nicholas Bjornson
Roger Blauwet
Sandra Bruns
Michael Chase
Betty Foster
Lauren Garcia
Ryan Hansen
Dr. Hamza Haqqi
Lora Kaup
Mark Allen Maser
Sheila McNeil
Patty Pandzik
Deb Peterson
Alysia Radicia
Dr. Debra Reilly-Culver
Dr. Jeffrey Robinson
Karl Schwent
Mary Ann Strasheim
Jerry Syslo
Dr. James Tracy
Jim Winner
Ex-officio Advisors
Dr. Fred Hanna
Chair, Fine and Performing Arts Department, Creighton University
Dr. Karen Fannin
Dean, College of Communication, Fine Arts & Media, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Connie Kinnear
President, Opera Omaha Guild
Chris Tombrello
President, Opera Omaha Craftsman's Guild