Michelle Collins

Michelle joined the Chicago Sinfonietta Board of Directors in 1995 and became the chair in 2001.  She served as chair until 2007.  Michelle has been, and continues to be one of the orchestra’s most creative thought leaders and consistent and generous supporters. She was instrumental in hiring the new CEO Blake-Anthony Johnson. The Sinfonietta launched some of its most important initiatives under Michelle’s leadership including Project Inclusion, the chamber music series, and the SEED Program that serves high-school age student-musicians.  Michelle is the Principal of Cambium LLC.

Tara Dowd Gurber

Tara served as the chair of the Chicago Sinfonietta board from 2007 – 2010 and stepped down from the board at the end of her term. She was an Executive Vice President at Health Care Service Corporation during this period and helped increase the company’s support of Sinfonietta during her time on the board. She retired from HCSC in 2011.

Phil Engel

Phil Engel served as President of CNA Insurance until he retired in 1999. A long-time supporter of and subscriber to Chicago Sinfonietta, Phil joined the board of directors in 2007 and served until late 2019 when he stepped down. Throughout his tenure Phil served as an officer of the board and as an important thought leader. He chaired the search committee that selected Mei-Ann Chen to succeed Maestro Paul Freeman.

Bettiann Gardner

Bettiann has been a stalwart supporter and leader for the Chicago Sinfonietta since the very beginning.  She served on the Board of Directors early in the orchestra’s history and as chair of various committees and initiatives throughout her long and ongoing association with the Sinfonietta.  Bettiann, and her husband Ed, have been instrumental in supporting our concerts, recordings, tours, and educational programs.  We would not be here without their generous and ongoing support.

Weldon Rougeau

Weldon served as a founding member of the Sinfonietta’s board and as an officer and president of the organization during his long tenure.  He and his wife Shirley have been long-time supporters of the Sinfonietta, even after his work took him to Washington, DC a number of years ago. Weldon served as the president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and is currently a Principal at Blank Rome in Washington, DC.

Audrey Tuggle

Audrey was recruited to the South Side Friends by its founder Betty Wilkens and began her work on behalf of the orchestra as a member and leader of this critical support group.  She founded the Magical Holiday Breakfast ten years ago, the delightful fundraising event presented every December by the Friends at Navy Pier which has raised well over $250,000 in support of the orchestra’s educational and concert programs since its inception.  Audrey chaired the Sinfonietta’s 20^th Anniversary celebration in 2007 at the Civic Opera House and turned it into the elegant Ball that it has now become.  She continues to support the orchestra through her leadership and volunteering.

Roger Wilson

Roger began his work on behalf of the Chicago Sinfonietta in 1987 as one of the original members of the Board of Directors, a position he held until 2005.  During his tenure he served as a member of the Executive Committee as both Secretary and Treasurer.  Roger also served as chair of the Gala and both raised and personally contributed significant funds that enabled the orchestra to grow and flourish.  He is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.