Meet the 2025-2026 Partners Board Members

Partners Board Members are the leaders of the organization. They chair the various committees, work on strategic planning, serve as ambassadors to Playhouse Square, and much more. 

Jeremiah Guappone | Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 6

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To get engaged with Playhouse Square, and take on a leadership role

Employer: Data Genomix | Chief Strategy Officer & General Manager

Jeremiah is a strategic leader and digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in data-driven communications and campaign strategy. As Chief Strategy Officer & General Manager at Data Genomix, he spearheads innovative marketing technology solutions that blend targeting, analytics, and paid media for high-impact public affairs and non-profit marketing initiatives. Known for delivering award-winning results, Jeremiah has led his team to earn numerous Gold Pollie Awards, with distinctions for ad tech innovation and data analytics. A recent graduate of the Executive MBA program at Cleveland State University, Jeremiah is committed to professional growth and thought leadership in digital strategy. Active in his community, Jeremiah serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals for South Euclid and is also a board member of Wilmington College. 

Maria O'Neill | Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 3

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To make a larger impact with other passionate individuals

Employer: KeyBank | Cybersecurity Governance Enablement

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Maria has always been very passionate about this city, its culture and its people. With 10 years of experience working in STEM at KeyBank, she used to believe that the power of one’s city was held in its technological innovation. At the start, Playhouse Square Partners was her creative outlet and an opportunity to give back to Cleveland. However, she's grown to truly recognize Playhouse Square as not just a place to attend a fabulous show, but a cornerstone of our city. As she continues to grow her roots and family in Cleveland, she's so honored to be a part of Partners and continue to progress Playhouse Square’s vision to surprise and inspire the world.

Megan McNulty | Vice Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 4

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To plan fun events 

Employer: Medical Mutual of Ohio | Project Coordinator in Benefit Services

Megan joined Partners after she reignited her love of theatre when she became a season ticket holder for the Broadway Series. She did theatre in high school and always had a love for the arts. She wanted to get involved in Playhouse Square Partners because she truly loves the organization and what it does to keep the arts alive. No matter what is going on in her life, she always can escape for a a few hours and come out in a better mood when she leaves a show and that in itself makes all this volunteer work worthwhile.

Kristen Swinton | Vice Co-Chair & Jump Back Ball Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 4

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To get more involved in Partners and give more of my time to Playhouse Square

Employer: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio | Database Manager

Kristen is a Cleveland/East side native, and has loved coming to Playhouse Square since she was a kid. She joined Partners because having season tickets wasn't enough and she wanted to get more involved. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and seeing as many shows as possible (live music, theater, comedy, you name it!).

Alicia Trumbull | Jump Back Ball Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 3

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To be more involved with Partners

Employer: Risk International | Performance Manager

Alicia has been enthusiastic about the arts since her days in high school where she joined stage crew for 4 years. Partners was a perfect fit for her to continue her philanthropic efforts when she switched to a fully remote company. The friends and comraderie in this group is unmatched. We have so much fun and all for a good cause.

Justine Buzalka | Jump Back Ball Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To support the arts community

Employer: In Session Therapy Studio | Mental Health Therapist

Justine is a bonafide theatre lover, starting as a kid performing in her preschool production of “Queen Esther”, through numerous high school productions, and still today, as she makes it a point to see as many musicals as she can. When she is not watching a production, or singing along to her Musical Muse Spotify playlist, Justine works as a Mental Health Therapist at In Session in Old Brooklyn. After attending The Ohio State University for undergrad and working in marketing and business development for non-profits and global corporate law firm for nearly 10 years, Justine decided to take the leap, harness her communication and connection skills, and attend Northwestern University for an MA in Counseling. Outside of work and theatre, Justine enjoys board games, cooking and exploring new cities with friends.

Caroline Gray | Jump Back Ball Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To help support Jump Back Ball

Employer: Accenture | Managing Consulting Manager

Caroline is currently a Consulting Manager in the Public Sector practice at a consulting firm, where she focuses on strategic planning and bringing people together from different organizations to work toward a common goal. With a background in managing projects and supporting community initiatives, she is excited to bring that experience to the Partners Board. She's also passionate about the arts, which she loves incorporating into her work through event planning and creative direction. She had a great time helping out at a Jump Back Shop Night event and is looking forward to contributing both her organizational skills and creative energy to the Board.

Melissa Jeffries | Jump Back Ball Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 2

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To enhance my leadership skills and contribute to making Playhouse Square a great place to engage and enjoy theater

Employer: Cicerchi Development Company | Market Specialist

Melissa is so excited to be part of this year's Partners Board. Her goal is to contribute to making Partners a desirable and fun group for young professionals in the Cleveland area. She loves theatre and sees a variety of shows at Playhouse Square each year, her favorite being Hamilton. She can't wait to see what this year brings to Partners and to Playhouse Square as a whole.

Zoƫ Ingram | Communications Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 4

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To help inspire and change lives through the performing arts 

Employer: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Director of Strategy and Inclusion

Originally from the UK, Zoë has always been driven by a passion for preserving cultural heritage. After spending her teenage years in Cleveland, she returned to the UK to earn an undergrad history degree and a master’s in museums from the University of St. Andrews, plus a Museology certification from the École du Louvre. As Director of Strategy & Inclusion at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she helps define and drive their mission, vision, and strategy while leading major project management initiatives. She spearheads their Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion work; ensuring fans, staff, vendors and the community feel represented and engaged. Right now, she's proud to be an integral part of the museum’s first major expansion in 30 years: an ambitious, sustainability-focused project that will set the tone for the museum’s future. 

Liz Safier | Communications Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To build leadership skills and contribute to Partners through her involvement with Jump Back Ball

Employer: Squire Patton Boggs | Associate

John Durbin | Education Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 5

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To interact with other young professionals while helping give back to the community

Employer: Stout | Director - Valuation Advisory

John is a Cleveland native that works for an international financial advisory organization and specializes in providing valuations for corporations and assets. In his current role in Partners, John serves as the Co-Chair of the Education Committee and aims to provide greater awareness and support for Playhouse Square's education initiatives. Outside of his professional life, John enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two-year old daughter.

Josh Linerode | Education Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 2

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To help foster a welcoming and accepting environment in Partners and to bridge a stronger connection between Partners and Cleveland State University

Employer: Cleveland State University | Academic Advisor

Josh is an Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cleveland State University. He has been a member of Partners since 2022 and joined the Board in 2023. He has been a season ticket holder at Playhouse Square since 2018. While he loves attending performances, he also loves performing on stage with local community theatre. When he's not doing something theatre related or working, he can usually be found reading a book.

Marissa Alfano | Education Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 2

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To meet passionate and creative people with a common goal

Employer: Jones Day | Attorney

Brandon Francis | Education Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To connect with a group of like-minded young professionals interested in advancing the performing arts in the local community

Employer: Cleveland Clinic | Physician

Brandon is a physician here in Cleveland. He lives with his wife, Madeline, and their cat, Jester, with a baby girl on the way. In his free time, he and his wife and love attending shows at Playhouse Square and enjoying the local parks.

John Reagan | Education Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To ensure that Playhouse Square's legacy inspires future arts supporters.

Employer: Park Place Technologies | Product Marketing Manager

John serves as a Product Marketing Manager at Park Place Technologies, leading all global marketing efforts for Entuity Software™, including campaign execution, in-person events, and demand generation. His previous professional experience includes working in the arts and entertainment industry (including Playhouse Square) and most recently for a local digital marketing agency in business development and account management. John developed his passion for strategic marketing, relationship building, and a dedication for driving results and delivering value at Baldwin Wallace University, where he attained his BA in Arts Management and MBA in Management. He currently resides in Parma with his wife, Cari, and their son. He is actively involved in his parish and other community arts organizations.

Katie Kimble | Partners Encore Society Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 3

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To join a team of creative, giving, talented and driven professionals that are committed to arts education

Job Title: Event Specialist 

Katie is a community and small business partner who has experience in higher education, nonprofit, and wholesale contracting. She loves to be active; working out regularly, biking, dancing, traveling, and attending CLE sporting events as well as being a Broadway Series ticket holder. In addition to Partners, Katie is on the Young Professional Board for Youth Challenge Sports and a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce.

Ali Swift | Partners Encore Society Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 5

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To join the Cleveland renaissance

Employer: FPC International | Corporate Counsel 

As a Cleveland native, Ali is passionate about the restoration of Playhouse Square and its pivotal role in rejuvenating our city. She joined the Partners Board to focus on the stellar programming of PSQ's resident theater companies, fabulous events from the Engagement and Encore committees, and the amazing people that make up the Partners membership. Ali moved back to Cleveland in 2015 after a brief stint in government relations in DC. She holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and an MA (Hons) in History of Art from the University of St Andrews. She is a season ticket holder for both the Cleveland Playhouse season and the Broadway in Cleveland season.

Joshua Berggrun | Partners Encore Society Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To enhance the Board’s leadership skills and deepen its involvement with Playhouse Square through planning social events and networking with Cleveland leaders

Employer: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP | Real Estate Attorney

Stephen Osborn | Engagement Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 2

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To help find new ways for Partners to connect with each other and with Playhouse Square

Employer: Travelers | Software Engineer

Stephen enjoys dedicating his time to Partners because he believes that strong communities are built upon the foundation of education. By supporting Playhouse Square's arts education initiatives, we are strengthening the next generation. Outside of Partners, he enjoys organizing game nights with friends, attending live music performances, and playing with his puppy, Fergus.

Nikitha Sambamurthy | Engagement Co-Chair

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To get more involved with Partners in supporting our education programs, make friends, and have fun while contirubting to our art-loving community

Employer: John Wiley & Sons | Director

Nikitha is an at-large Partners board member. She is currently the Editorial Director of engineering content at John Wiley & Sons, and is excited to continue her passion for education by helping support arts education with Playhouse Square Partners!

Justice Hubbard | Engagement Committee

Number of years on the Partners Board: 1

Why did you join the Partners Board?
To engage in the local community and give back to the next generation

Employer: Jones Day | Attorney

Justice is a native Clevelander and an attorney at Jones Day, where he focuses on commercial litigation and intellectual property counseling. He joined Partners to become more involved in the community around him and find ways to give back to the next generation. He looks forward to deepening his bonds to Cleveland and Playhouse Square.