Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Staff

Executive Director

Mary Steffek Blaske is the A²SO's Executive Director. Her responsibilities include fundraising, marketing, concert public relations, concert-related educational programs, and concert production as well as overseeing A²SO staff in the execution of these activities. Ms. Steffek Blaske is a highly skilled director with over twenty years of managerial experience as well as an extensive musical background as a performer and through work with other community musical events.

General Manager and Education Director

Zac Moore is the A²SO's General Manager and Education Director. Moore served as General Manager of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra from 2007-2011, where he oversaw the orchestra's operations, including budgeting, artistic and concert production, and the design and implementation of all education programming. Moore is also the Managing Director of the Baroque on Beaver festival and served previously as the Executive Director of the Gaylord Chamber Orchestra. 

Business Manager

Lori Zupan, the A²SO’s Business Manager, is responsible for tracking and managing the Symphony’s finances, as well as coordinating subscription ticket sales and producing the program distributed to our patrons at the concerts. Lori also oversees our special fundraisers, including Heart for the Arts and Pursuit of the Podium. She has been on staff the longest, having joined the A²SO administration in 1988. Zupan received a degree in Music from Oberlin College and has been an active board member of various arts organizations since 1980.  An accomplished musician, she is a frequent accompanist for musical theater productions and at her church, as well as for the A²SO’s Sing-Along with Santa.

Marketing & Public Relations Director

Stephanie Roose, A²SO's Marketing & PR Director is responsible for designing and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies for local and regional media outlets. Roose connects with the Ann Arbor community through media and public relations, creates audience development and retention strategies, and works with outside vendors and volunteers. Roose graduated from Lake Superior State University in 2009, tailoring her Bachelor of Arts to concentrate on Marketing and Humanities. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys photography, video games, reading, and discovering new music. 

Box Office & Administrative Assistant

Kara Sudheimer is the A²SO’s box office and administrative assistant.  Her responsibilities are the initial welcoming contact, handling ticket orders, organizing paperwork, preparing for special events, and providing help to all other departments. Ms. Sudheimer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Management from the University of Evansville combining her musical knowledge and skill with several instruments including violin and her expertise in business.  Her experience prior to joining A²SO included work with the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, over 12 years of experience in the business world with the last 10 years at a fine arts recording studio.  In her spare time, Kara is a ringer in a handbell choir.