INTERIM DIRECTOR
Associate Professor of Voice - Butler University

Dana Zenobi teaches voice, pedagogy, diction, and vocal literature courses at Butler University, where she enjoys working with students who are committed to becoming passionate future Music Educators. She also directs the Butler University Vocal Competition and Singing Beyond the Binary. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, she founded and directed BELTA (Building Empowered Lives Through Art) a nonprofit that provided free crowdfunding and fiscal sponsorship to fine artists for over 10 years.

Dr. Zenobi  is a nationally-recognized interpreter of Art Song by women and voice pedagogy scholar. Her 2022 album and score anthology Joys Abiding: Duets by Historical Women Composers (Navona Records/Classical Vocal Reprints) was warmly received.  Performance credits include Austin Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, and Opera in the Heights, as well as accolades from The American Prize. Recipient of the 2020 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Voice Pedagogy Award, Dr. Zenobi has presented at NATS, International Music By Women Festival, Voice Foundation, Voice Study Centre, and Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA).  She earned degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Duke University. www.danazenobisoprano.com

BOARD CHAIR
Executive Director, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

Dana Stone is actively involved in musical arts community of Indianapolis. Dana has served as the executive director of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra since 2020.

Dana is deeply committed to expanding music education programs in schools, community centers, and through virtual applications at the ICO and was immediately captivated by the work of El Sistema Indianapolis. She is advocate for access to music education and classical music in both her personal and professional career. 

Ms. Stone holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Spanish from DePauw University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Washington University in St. Louis.
She previously worked as executive/administrative director of Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis and the St. Louis Women’s Chorale. Stone is also a former board member of the Anderson Noon Rotary and the Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission.

FOUNDER AND BOARD VICE CHAIR
Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Butler University

David Mason taught political science and international studies at Butler University for 33 years, where he served as chair of the department of political science and director of the global studies core course.  He published books and articles on the history and politics of Poland, of Europe and of the United States; and was the director of a 13-nation collaborative research project called the  International Social Justice Project.

“I initiated El Sistema Indianapolis after learning about the international El Sistema model of “social change through music” and discovering that there were no such programs in central Indiana.  It combined my love of music with my  commitment to social justice, and my wish that all children could experience the joy of music in community. We now see that joy in every performance of our young ukulele musicians!”

BOARD TREASURER
Owner, Universal Fluid Equipment LLC

Lynn Gibboney owns a local business - Universal Fluid Equipment LLC - providing fluid handling equipment and packaged systems to industrial, commercial and institutional markets. 

“El Sistema's free, after-school music education program provides valuable opportunities for children, fostering their social-emotional growth and building community.  As a local business owner, I believe an enriched community is vital to business development and growth.”

BOARD MEMBER
Vice President of Finance & Operations, Christian Theological Seminary

Ward Logan earned a BS in Business Administration/Economics from Erskine College and an MBA from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and, in 2019-2020, he was a NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) fellow. After graduating from Erskine, Logan began his career by serving his alma mater in admissions and financial aid. He then moved to The Citadel where he worked for 23 years, eventually serving as its Associate Vice President for Finance before coming to Christian Theological Seminary.

“I believe in the mission and vision of El Sistema. The winning point was to see the children when they performed at the Harrison Center. They lit up the room and showed so much hope, pride and promise.”

BOARD MEMBER
Vice President of Development & External Affairs -The International Center

As the Vice President of Development and External Affairs at The International Center, Dr. Kristie Johnson enjoys supporting her organization by identifying external funding opportunities and organizing collaborative initiatives. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years raising funds to support low-income, first-generation, and immigrant students. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer and Fulbright Scholar (both in China), Dr. Johnson enjoys serving on boards that focus on improving the lives and experiences of immigrants, refugees, and celebrating the Black Diaspora. Some of these organizations include the Immigrant Welcome Center, El Sistema, the Indiana Chapter of the Fulbright Association, and the Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival.

Dr. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in Asian studies from Florida State University, her master’s degree in international development and social change from Clark University (Worcester), and her Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky where she researched foreign-born college and university presidents.

She is the proud wife to Dr. Michael Shawn Johnson, Senior Pastor at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (Indianapolis) and to her adorable eight-year-old son, Sean Michael Johnson. 

BOARD MEMBER
Marketing Specialist, Kinder Morgan RNG and Freelance Piano Teacher

“I remember how much I looked forward to piano lessons every week in elementary school. Looking back, much of my excitement was because my piano teachers were another person who saw potential in me and chose to be in my corner, so to speak. My experience with piano lessons grew into a passion. Now, I spend my evenings teaching piano to elementary and middle school students and being their biggest cheerleader when they're at the piano bench.

That’s why I volunteer as a board member with El Sistema Indy – to help more kids experience that same sense of support and excitement through music. I believe every child deserves the chance to explore music and discover their own potential, regardless of their background. I hope to make music education accessible to more kids and give them a space where they can feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.”

BOARD MEMBER
Freelance Violinist and Caseworker, Church World Service

Dhara Marquez is a freelance violinist and an alumna of two international El Sistema youth programs.

“In my personal experience, I have witnessed the power of music in children and youth; through the implementation of multifaceted music programs, they can develop skills that will help them throughout their lives.

I am involved in El Sistema Indy because of their dedication to providing comprehensive music programs and learning experiences for younger generations. I believe in the power music has to change a child's life.”