Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society elects first new board chair in 12 years

Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society is undergoing a changing of the guard after electing Maggie Brennan to replace Bill Baumann as board chair. Baumann has held the position for the past 12 years.

Brennan joined the board in 2019 and has served as secretary and member of the advisory committee of the organization’s Longworth-Anderson Series. During the day she works as consultant for Systems Evolution, Inc., but in her spare time she holds several volunteer positions with a wide range of nonprofits and social organizations. She’s a member of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Ambassador Council, a co-founder of The 51% Women’s Bourbon Club and an inaugural member of Adventure Crew’s RAD Women’s Collective.

“I’m eager to draw more visitors to the Hall, so they can experience its rich cultural heritage while enjoying live theater, musical performances, and award ceremonies,” Brennan said.

Replacing a decade of success

Brennan has worked alongside Baumann over the past five years. She described him as an integral part of the community for many years, and his contributions have significantly shaped the recent success and growth of Memorial Hall.

Under Baumann’s chairmanship, CMHS reopened the Beaux-Arts-style concert venue in early 2013, hosting more than 250 performances and other events in 2013-14 alone. He was also in charge of the nonprofit during the $11.2 million revitalization of the century-old facility in 2015-16 that resulted in comprehensive renovation and modernization of the Hamilton County-owned building.

Along with the county and 3CDC, CMHS has raised more than $15 million to support Memorial Hall and related events under Baumann’s tenure.

“Bill’s commitment to preserving and bringing Memorial Hall to life is truly remarkable,” Brennan said of her colleague.

One of Baumann’s lasting legacies will be his work to expand the CMHS board to 30 trustees to enhance the organization’s mission to preserve, support and improve the historic Over-the-Rhine facility. One of those improvements occurred in 2017, when the board launched Longworth-Anderson Series, or LAS, a multi-genre, contemporary music series presented annually at Memorial Hall.

In announcing Brennan’s selection, CMSH noted that Baumann is staying on to serve as the chair emeritus. He’ll also continue as chair of LAS as well.

“As one of Cincinnati’s most important civic and arts buildings, Memorial Hall stands as a key part of our city’s world-class arts and cultural district around Washington Park, and will for decades to come,” Baumann said.

Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society