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Josh Aerie Executive Director

Josh Aerie is a nonprofit executive, cellist, chamber musician, and symphonic conductor. Throughout his diverse career, Aerie has worked to harness the power of the musical arts to catalyze and transform communities. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, Aerie was Executive Director of The Music Village, a community musical arts center and school in downtown South Bend, Indiana, a position he held for over 10 years. Under his leadership, The Music Village saw significant institutional growth, with exponential increases in enrollment, programming, philanthropy, facilities, and partnerships. Aerie is cellist in the Sylvan Trio, a flute-cello-piano ensemble that performs throughout the U.S. and can be heard on classical radio and streaming services across the globe. The Sylvans are strong proponents for new music and underrepresented composers, and are known for dynamic performances that blur the line between stage and audience. Founded in 2013, the Trio has been heard over 25 times on Performance Today, the nation’s most listened-to classical music radio program. Aerie has served as music director of symphonies in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin. Most recently, he was Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Indiana’s oldest ensemble, where he instituted live-streamed educational programming, a regional youth concerto competition, and a nationwide composition competition. After completing undergraduate degrees at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, Aerie was cellist in the graduate string quartet at the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied with the Takács Quartet and earned a Master of Music.
Josh Aerie is a nonprofit executive, cellist, chamber musician, and symphonic conductor. Throughout his diverse career, Aerie has worked to harness the power of the musical arts to catalyze and transform communities. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, Aerie was Executive Director of The Music Village, a community musical arts center and school in downtown South Bend, Indiana, a position he held for over 10 years. Under his leadership, The Music Village saw significant institutional growth, with exponential increases in enrollment, programming, philanthropy, facilities, and partnerships. Aerie is cellist in the Sylvan Trio, a flute-cello-piano ensemble that performs throughout the U.S. and can be heard on classical radio and streaming services across the globe. The Sylvans are strong proponents for new music and underrepresented composers, and are known for dynamic performances that blur the line between stage and audience. Founded in 2013, the Trio has been heard over 25 times on Performance Today, the nation’s most listened-to classical music radio program. Aerie has served as music director of symphonies in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin. Most recently, he was Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Indiana’s oldest ensemble, where he instituted live-streamed educational programming, a regional youth concerto competition, and a nationwide composition competition. After completing undergraduate degrees at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, Aerie was cellist in the graduate string quartet at the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied with the Takács Quartet and earned a Master of Music.

Thomas Rosenberg Artistic Director

Thomas Rosenberg is nationally known as a dynamic performer, teacher and chamber coach. Recipient of the 2025 National Arts Advocate of the Year from Chamber Music America, he has been Artistic Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition since 1981, teaches cello and chamber music at Carleton and Macalester Colleges, is Director of the Saint Paul Chamber Music Academy, and maintains a pre-college home studio. As well as regional and national awards for teaching, he has been presented in masterclasses at music schools throughout the United States. Tom is a Prize-winner at the Munich and Portsmouth International Quartet Competitions and three-time Naumburg Award finalist, performs with the Isles Ensemble and has been a substitute player in both the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra. He has performed with jazz greats Charlie Hayden and Al Foster in Carnegie Hall, performed in all of the major concert venues in NYC as solo cello of the New York Chamber Ensemble, and was the founding member of the highly acclaimed Chester String Quartet, with whom he toured internationally and made numerous recordings for twenty years. Tom is a graduate of Oberlin as a student of Richard Kapuscinski and The Eastman School of Music where he was teaching assistant to both Paul Katz and Laurence Lesser. His chamber music studies have been with the Budapest, Cleveland, Juilliard, Guarneri and Tokyo quartets. www.tomrosenbergmusic.com
Thomas Rosenberg is nationally known as a dynamic performer, teacher and chamber coach. Recipient of the 2025 National Arts Advocate of the Year from Chamber Music America, he has been Artistic Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition since 1981, teaches cello and chamber music at Carleton and Macalester Colleges, is Director of the Saint Paul Chamber Music Academy, and maintains a pre-college home studio. As well as regional and national awards for teaching, he has been presented in masterclasses at music schools throughout the United States. Tom is a Prize-winner at the Munich and Portsmouth International Quartet Competitions and three-time Naumburg Award finalist, performs with the Isles Ensemble and has been a substitute player in both the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra. He has performed with jazz greats Charlie Hayden and Al Foster in Carnegie Hall, performed in all of the major concert venues in NYC as solo cello of the New York Chamber Ensemble, and was the founding member of the highly acclaimed Chester String Quartet, with whom he toured internationally and made numerous recordings for twenty years. Tom is a graduate of Oberlin as a student of Richard Kapuscinski and The Eastman School of Music where he was teaching assistant to both Paul Katz and Laurence Lesser. His chamber music studies have been with the Budapest, Cleveland, Juilliard, Guarneri and Tokyo quartets. www.tomrosenbergmusic.com

Miki Strabley Competition Director

Miki Strabley joined Fischoff in August 2000. Her primary responsibilities include running the annual Fischoff Competition, recruiting and coordinating competition volunteers, and coordinating logistics for the Double Gold Tour. Miki received her undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Political Science at Saint Mary’s College. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend and a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. She plays the trumpet in Notre Dame's University and Summer Bands. In her spare time, she is a volunteer horse feeder and lesson volunteer at Reins of Life Theraputic Horseback Riding. Originally hailing from Ohio, Miki lives in South Bend with her husband Chris, daughter Molly Clare, a junior at Saint Mary’s College, and dog Bailey.
Miki Strabley joined Fischoff in August 2000. Her primary responsibilities include running the annual Fischoff Competition, recruiting and coordinating competition volunteers, and coordinating logistics for the Double Gold Tour. Miki received her undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Political Science at Saint Mary’s College. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend and a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. She plays the trumpet in Notre Dame’s University and Summer Bands. In her spare time, she is a volunteer horse feeder and lesson volunteer at Reins of Life Theraputic Horseback Riding. Originally hailing from Ohio, Miki lives in South Bend with her husband Chris, daughter Molly Clare, a junior at Saint Mary’s College, and dog Bailey.

Kara Kane Education Director

Kara Kane has been a musician, IT consultant, teaching artist and now arts administrator. She earned her BA double majoring in Music and Sociology at Rice University. Kara started her career as an IT consultant and worked for Ernst & Young, LLP, Continental Airlines, and Northwestern University, where she also earned a certificate in Executive Management from the Kellogg School of Management. She returned to Rice's Shepherd School for a MM in voice and continued her studies at festivals in Aspen, Salzburg, Rome, and at Songfest. After being a member of the Aldeburgh Music's Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme in their Education Residency, she found her niche as a teaching artist and arts administrator. Kara was the Director of Education for Chicago Opera Theater, taught as an adjunct voice instructor at University of Notre Dame, and serves as a teaching artist with Classical Kids Music Education's Music Inspires! outreach program in the Chicago Public Schools. Kara resides in South Bend with her husband and three kids.
Kara Kane has been a musician, IT consultant, teaching artist and now arts administrator. She earned her BA double majoring in Music and Sociology at Rice University. Kara started her career as an IT consultant and worked for Ernst & Young, LLP, Continental Airlines, and Northwestern University, where she also earned a certificate in Executive Management from the Kellogg School of Management. She returned to Rice’s Shepherd School for a MM in voice and continued her studies at festivals in Aspen, Salzburg, Rome, and at Songfest. After being a member of the Aldeburgh Music’s Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme in their Education Residency, she found her niche as a teaching artist and arts administrator. Kara was the Director of Education for Chicago Opera Theater, taught as an adjunct voice instructor at University of Notre Dame, and serves as a teaching artist with Classical Kids Music Education’s Music Inspires! outreach program in the Chicago Public Schools. Kara resides in South Bend with her husband and three kids.

Megan Simmons Academy & Summer Intensive Director & Operations Manager

Megan Simmons is a versatile violinist and dedicated educator. She earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Oregon, graduating summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Ball State University, graduating magna cum laude. Megan performs regularly with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra and has taught private and group lessons for over ten years across Indiana, Oregon, California, and South Bend. She has coached with the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras, their Summer Camp, and the Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive and Academy. Megan is passionate about sharing her love of chamber music with the next generation of musicians. In her free time, she enjoys antiquing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
Megan Simmons is a versatile violinist and dedicated educator. She earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Oregon, graduating summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Ball State University, graduating magna cum laude. Megan performs regularly with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra and has taught private and group lessons for over ten years across Indiana, Oregon, California, and South Bend. She has coached with the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras, their Summer Camp, and the Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive and Academy. Megan is passionate about sharing her love of chamber music with the next generation of musicians. In her free time, she enjoys antiquing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Geneviéve Carreño Marketing Director & Program Manager

Geneviéve Carreño is a musician and arts manager from Goshen, Indiana. She is thrilled to be a part of the Fischoff family amongst such a dedicated and caring staff. Geneviéve is a 2024 summa cum laude graduate of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre Management and a minor in applied music (voice). She currently performs with the Camerata Singers, is a member of the Concord Rotary Club in Elkhart, and serves on the board of the River Bend Film Festival. Geneviéve graduated with honors from Concord High School in 2020 and was an avid participant in the performing arts, playing viola for 8 years and regularly performing in community choirs and theatre productions. In her spare time, she does freelance digital marketing for area businesses and nonprofits and enjoys learning new arts & crafts.
Geneviéve Carreño is a musician and arts manager from Goshen, Indiana. She is thrilled to be a part of the Fischoff family amongst such a dedicated and caring staff. Geneviéve is a 2024 summa cum laude graduate of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre Management and a minor in applied music (voice). She currently performs with the Camerata Singers, is a member of the Concord Rotary Club in Elkhart, and serves on the board of the River Bend Film Festival. Geneviéve graduated with honors from Concord High School in 2020 and was an avid participant in the performing arts, playing viola for 8 years and regularly performing in community choirs and theatre productions. In her spare time, she does freelance digital marketing for area businesses and nonprofits and enjoys learning new arts & crafts.

Carrie Lehman Media Manager

Carrie Lehman joined the staff in 2012, but has been a part of the Fischoff Competition for 31 years, currently as the Competition's Junior Division Quarterfinals Manager. As Media Director, she is responsible for media, graphic design, and technology efforts. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University and resides in Chicago. A native of Mishawaka, IN, she often travels back to Indiana to spoil her nieces and nephews.
Carrie Lehman joined the staff in 2012, but has been a part of the Fischoff Competition for 31 years, currently as the Competition’s Junior Division Quarterfinals Manager. As Media Director, she is responsible for media, graphic design, and technology efforts. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University and resides in Chicago. A native of Mishawaka, IN, she often travels back to Indiana to spoil her nieces and nephews.

Geena Kam Competition Liaison

Geena Kam joined the Fischoff team in January 2020 after volunteering with the Competition since 2012. She holds a D.M.A degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa and currently serves on the piano faculty at Saint Mary's College. In addition to her work in higher education, she maintains an active private piano studio, where she teaches students of all ages, many of whom have earned recognition in regional and international competitions. Outside of music, she enjoys staying active and exploring nature, with an ambitious goal of hiking every U.S. national park.
Geena Kam joined the Fischoff team in January 2020 after volunteering with the Competition since 2012. She holds a D.M.A degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa and currently serves on the piano faculty at Saint Mary’s College. In addition to her work in higher education, she maintains an active private piano studio, where she teaches students of all ages, many of whom have earned recognition in regional and international competitions. Outside of music, she enjoys staying active and exploring nature, with an ambitious goal of hiking every U.S. national park.

Board of Directors

Officers

Harriet Hamer, M.D., President
Michiana Anesthesiologists Consultants, South Bend, IN

Doug Osthimer, Vice President
Partner, Kruggel, Lawton & Co., LLC CPAs (retired), South Bend, IN

Alfred J. Guillaume, Jr., Ph.D., Secretary
Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (retired), and Professor Emeritus of French, Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN

Kyle Everett, Treasurer
Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, Baird, Mishawaka, IN

John De Souza, Immediate Past President
President, Cressy & Everett Real Estate, South Bend, IN

Ex. Committee

Thomas Rosenberg, Artistic Director
Music Faculty – Macalester College & Carleton College, MN

Directors

Tessa Bysong
Partner, Bain & Company, Chicago, IL

Don Crafton
Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Hal Culbertson
Teaching Professor, Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Marvin Curtis, Ed.D.
Dean, Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts (retired), Indiana University South Bend, Composer, Granger, IN

Wendy Freeman-Campbell, MPA
Trust Officer, Wealth Advisory Services, 1st Source Bank, Granger, IN

Vincent Henderson, M.D.
President, Beacon Medical Group, Granger, IN

Nels Leininger, M.D.
Internal & Geriatric Medicine, South Bend Clinic (retired), South Bend, IN

Sue Neeb
Retired Educator, Goshen, IN

Thomas O’Grady
Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Boston
Scholar-in-Residence, Saint Mary’s College

Michael Pippenger, Ph.D.
Vice President & Associate Provost for Internationalization, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

Dana Strait, Ph.D.
Chief Workforce Officer, Treehouse, South Bend, IN

Brian Wiebe
Former President & CEO, Horizon Education Alliance, Goshen, IN

National Advisory Council

Chair Kevin Kwan Loucks

Kevin Kwan Loucks
Kevin Kwan Loucks is a distinguished arts executive, strategist, and entrepreneur with a track record of transforming organizations, driving institutional growth, and shaping the performing arts on a national scale. As CEO of Chamber Music America, he has redefined the organization’s role as a national leader in advocacy, grantmaking, and professional development for small ensemble music. He has held executive roles at leading institutions, including the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Music Academy of the West, where he helped transform the institution into a year-round incubator for the arts. A Juilliard-trained concert pianist and Co-Founder of Chamber Music | OC – hailed by the LA Times for “keeping classical music going” during the COVID-19 pandemic – he has been featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He serves as Chair of the National Advisory Council for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association and sits on the Boards of American Composers Forum, Performing Arts Alliance, and the Fast Company Executive Board. Loucks holds degrees from The Juilliard School and Stony Brook University, an Executive MBA from Chapman University, and completed executive education at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
 
Learn more at www.kevinloucks.com

Interested in joining the Fischoff family? Reach out to fischoff@fischoff.org or visit our Volunteer page to get involved.