Mary Stowell joins Lyric Opera of Chicago Board of Directors

CHICAGO (5/27/25) — The leadership team at Lyric Opera of Chicago is pleased to announce that Mary Stowell has officially joined its Board of Directors, following her election at the company’s Annual Meeting on May 22. A longtime supporter of Lyric and a leader in civil rights law, Stowell brings extensive experience as an attorney, now retired, and a lifelong commitment to civil rights and the arts to her newly elected role on the board.

“I have long admired Mary. Her deep legal expertise and her enduring support for Lyric make her an exceptional addition to our Board,” says Sylvia Neil, Board Chair. “Mary’s passion and intelligence will strengthen our work as a Board as we continue guiding Lyric’s growth and impact in the community.”

Mary Stowell is a founding partner and was of counsel to the law firm of Stowell & Friedman, which focuses on civil and workers' rights. Before founding Stowell & Friedman, she was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Northern District of Illinois. She currently also serves on the Board of the ACLU of Illinois. Stowell earned her BA from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and her JD from Northwestern University School of Law.

A Lyric subscriber since 1985, Stowell has played a vital role in supporting the company for nearly four decades. She is also the newest member of Lyric’s Enrique Circle, a group of distinguished supporters who sponsor Music Director Enrique Mazzola. The Enrique Circle is composed of Lyric’s most dedicated patrons, committed to championing Maestro Mazzola’s artistic vision and ensuring the continued success of his musical leadership and legacy at Lyric.

Stowell’s term on the Board begins immediately, and she joins the more than 100 members who help guide the strategic direction and long-term vitality of the company.