Lyric Opera of Chicago elects new members to its Board of Directors

CHICAGO (11/7/23) — Lyric Opera of Chicago announces the addition of Sarah Garvey and Philip G. Lumpkin to its Board of Directors. These individuals enrich the board with a wealth of experience, expertise, and a decades-long history of involvement with the company.

"We warmly welcome Sarah Garvey and Philip G. Lumpkin to Lyric Opera of Chicago's Board of Directors," says Sylvia Neil, Board Chair. "Their extensive history with the company, coupled with their diverse backgrounds and unwavering support for the arts, perfectly align with our mission. We look forward to their contributions to the company."

Sarah Garvey, former vice president of corporate relations at the Boeing Company, joins Lyric's Board of Directors with a wealth of corporate expertise. Her extensive career includes roles in mergers and acquisitions and taxation, making her a valuable asset as Lyric Opera continues to navigate the evolving arts landscape. Beyond her career achievements, she is a dedicated civic leader and advocate for the arts, holding positions on the boards of cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium.

Philip G. Lumpkin, retired corporate vice president for provider affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, brings immense corporate leadership experience to Lyric's Board. His distinguished career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, coupled with his background in mergers and acquisitions, uniquely positions him to contribute valuable insights. His commitment to civic involvement and the arts is evident through his support for organizations such as SAGE USA and Truth in Accounting. As a longtime supporter of Lyric Opera of Chicago, he has served on the Board of Lyric's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center since 2016.

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About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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