Leadership & Board
Leadership & Board
Guiding the Future of Jazz in Cincinnati
Behind every CCJO performance is a group of dedicated artists, professionals, and community leaders working to advance jazz as a living art form.
Together, our artistic leadership, staff, and Board of Directors help shape the vision of the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, support its musicians and educational programs, and ensure that exceptional jazz continues to have a vibrant home in Greater Cincinnati.
Artistic Director
Eric Lechliter
Trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator Eric Lechliter has served as Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra since 2019.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eric is an active performer and educator whose work bridges jazz tradition with a distinctly contemporary voice.
His compositions and arrangements have been performed by ensembles throughout the region and internationally. In 2022, CCJO released its first album, We Are the CCJO, featuring entirely Eric’s original compositions and arrangements.
In addition to leading CCJO, Eric teaches in the Jazz, Commercial Music Production, and Preparatory departments at CCM.
Series Artistic Director & Chairman
Phil DeGreg
Phil DeGreg is the retired Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts study grants. In 2008 he was awarded a 4-month Fulbright Fellowship as a lecturer in Brazil.
His text “Jazz Keyboard Harmony” is a practical text for teaching jazz harmony for all musicians, and is used all over the world in universities and for private study.
Artistic Directors Emeriti
CCJO also recognizes the artistic leadership and contributions of:
Dr. Scott Belck
Founding Artistic Director & Artistic Director Emeritus
Rob Parton
Artistic Director Emeritus
The Team Behind the Music
CCJO’s staff works behind the scenes to connect audiences with the orchestra, grow community support, and help turn the organization’s artistic vision into performances, programs, and experiences.
Donna Amos
Marketing Manager
Leading CCJO’s marketing and communications efforts, helping connect audiences throughout Greater Cincinnati with the orchestra, its musicians, performances, and programs.
Scott Seward
Director of Development
scott@cincinnatijazz.org
Building relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners whose support helps CCJO continue performing, educating, and advancing jazz throughout the region.
Leadership Rooted in Community
CCJO’s Board of Directors brings together professionals, jazz advocates, and community leaders who share a commitment to the orchestra’s mission.
Their leadership, expertise, and support help guide the organization’s long-term growth while ensuring that CCJO can continue creating extraordinary performances and meaningful educational experiences.
Executive Leadership
Doug Lillibridge
President
Jane Welling
Vice President
Phil DeGreg
Chairman
LeAnne Anklin
John Lieberman
Treasurer
Directors
Tom Boecher
Director
Denise Esteves-Hicks
Director
Ed Lyon
Director
Sam Moore
Director
Rich Notter
Director
Mike Perrino
Director
Sandy Uhrig
Director
Joe Vallo
Director