SOUTH BEND, IN — The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Dr. Susan Ohmer has been named President of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Ohmer, who previously served as Vice President of the Board, is a professor emerita and former administrator at the University of Notre Dame with a long record of civic engagement and arts leadership. 

Her appointment marks a new chapter for the Symphony, building on her steadfast commitment to educational excellence, community enrichment, and the transformative power of music. 

“We are thrilled to have Susan lead the Board at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Sarah Perschbacher, Interim Executive Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. “Her unique blend of strategic insight, academic leadership, and unwavering commitment to the arts makes her the ideal person to guide us into our next chapter. As we grow artistically and strengthen our ties to the community, Susan’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for the Symphony.” 

In addition to Dr. Ohmer’s appointment, the Symphony is pleased to welcome four distinguished leaders as new members of its Board of Directors for the 2025–26 season: 

  • Dr. Chris Haug currently serves as Provincial Assistant and Director of Apostolic Mission & Charism for the Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province. He brings a strong background in organizational leadership and a deep commitment to Catholic social teaching and sustainability. 
  • Dr. Mike Hildreth, Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Notre Dame, is a leading physicist and a dedicated educator. His experience with data infrastructure and higher education will be a tremendous asset to the Board. 
  • Holly C. Johnson, Vice President for Advancement at Saint Mary’s College, brings a wealth of expertise in fundraising, branding, and women’s philanthropy. Her leadership has helped shape major campaigns and elevate institutional profiles in the region. 
  • Dr. Nancy Menk, Chair of the Music Department at Saint Mary’s College and Director of Choral Activities, is a respected conductor and advocate for new music. Her artistic contributions and ties to the musical community enrich the Symphony’s mission. 

As the South Bend Symphony enters its next chapter, these new appointments reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. 

For more information, visit www.southbendsymphony.org. 

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About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony inspires, entertains, and connects the community with the transformative power of orchestral music. Producing more than 20 mainstage programs each year and nearly 70 smaller ensemble concerts, the Symphony serves more than 29,000 attendees annually. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is committed to fostering a robust, connected arts community in service to the greater Michiana region. 

In addition to being recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other state and local arts funding organizations, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which recognizes the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana. 

Learn more about the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at www.southbendsymphony.org. 

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About Dr. Susan Ohmer
Susan Ohmer, Professor Emerita in the Department of Film, Television and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame, retired from the university in 2022. In addition to teaching classes in film and television history, she served in administration as an Assistant Provost and Interim Director of the Hesburgh Library, and led Digital ND, a campus-wide initiative to streamline and strengthen digital work at the university. Her research focuses on the Walt Disney studio, and she has developed classes in “Media and Presidential Elections” and “Harry Potter.”  She has also served on the Board of Directors of the South Bend Museum of Art and continues to serve on the Board of PBS Michiana-WNIT, our community’s public television station.