Jennie Huang Bennett elected to Lyric Opera of Chicago Board of Directors

CHICAGO (3/21/24) — Lyric Opera of Chicago announces the appointment of Jennie Huang Bennett to its Board of Directors. With an extensive career spanning the public and private sectors, Bennett brings a wealth of financial expertise and a dedication to community involvement to the board.

As the current Associate Vice President for Finance at the University of Chicago, Bennett oversees financial planning and analysis, procurement, debt, accounting, and payroll. Her leadership as the former Chief Financial Officer for the City of Chicago from 2019-2023 was marked by significant achievements, including closing a historic $1.2 billion budget gap during the pandemic.

Bennett has extensive experience as the Chief Financial Officer for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and as a senior investment banker in municipal securities. At CPS, she managed finances, improved efficiency, and dealt with financial challenges. She also served as the acting Chief Internal Auditor and Treasurer. Before CPS and the City of Chicago, she worked in finance, handling post-disaster funding and large-scale projects.

Bennett's dedication extends beyond finance, as evidenced by her involvement in the greater Chicago community, including service on the boards of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and previously, the Chicago Opera Theater.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jennie Huang Bennett to our Board of Directors," says Sylvia Neil, Board Chair of Lyric Opera of Chicago. "Her exceptional financial experience and dedication to public service make her a valuable addition to our leadership team."

Bennett joins a distinguished group of individuals on Lyric Opera's Board of Directors, including recent additions such as Dr. Louise Bernard, Sarah Garvey, and Philip G. Lumpkin.

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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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