Piedmont Opera has announced seven new members to its Board of Directors.

The new board members include directors Kevin Bender, Scott Lefelar, Haley Gingles, Julian Robb, Steve Berlin, Wendy Poteat, and Ryan Ross.

“I couldn’t be happier to have these dynamic leaders join us on our leadership team,” said Barbara Raffaldini, Piedmont Opera’s board of directors’ chairman. “Each brings a unique perspective from their profession that will be invaluable as we build the future of opera in the Greater Triad.”

Bender has 20 years as a senior higher education administrator and is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. Lefelar collaborates with H.R. Professionals and is part of the Employment Counsel at Syngenta. Gingles is the Director of Communications and Media Relations at Winston-Salem State University. Robb is an Attorney at Blanco Tackabery and Berlin is the Office Managing Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton L.L.P. Poteat is the President and Executive Officer at shift_ed. Finally, Ross is the Executive Director / C.E.O. at Open Door Ministries.

Piedmont Opera’s 2024-25 season opens on Oct. 25 with a production of “Joan of Arc: The Trial at Rouen.”