What role does music play in bringing a community together? In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah welcome Maureen O’Brien, President and CEO of the Columbus Symphony, to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary. Together, they discuss the Symphony’s rich history, its impact on Columbus’ cultural landscape and the ways it continues to inspire audiences through performance, education and community engagement.Maureen O'Brien, Columbus Symphony, CEO 

With a distinguished background in arts leadership and a deep-rooted passion for community engagement, Maureen O'Brien joined the Columbus Symphony as CEO in July 2025. In her new leadership role, O'Brien oversees all dimensions of CSO's operations and is spearheading an ambitious campaign to build a new home for the orchestra.Previously, she held various roles at New World Symphony in Miami, most recently as Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement where she led a comprehensive $150 million campaign and oversaw fundraising, marketing, communications, audience engagement and guest services. Prior to that, O'Brien was part of the founding team of the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and has also held positions in New York City at Midori & Friends and Orchestra of St. Luke’s.A passionate musician herself, O'Brien's roots in music - from learning piano from her mother (a piano teacher), to playing the flute and singing in choirs - shape her leadership style. 


She holds a double major in Music and French, is an avid learner of Spanish, and enjoys dancing Argentine tango. A Certified Fund-Raising Executive, she has taught atArizona State University and Prescott College and as part of New World Symphony and Sphinx LEAD's Fellowship curricula. She was a featured speaker at the Association Francaise des Fundraisers' conference in Paris, a presenter at the CASE Winter Institute for Chief Development Officers, a panelist with Philanthropy Miami and CFO Arts Conference, and a speaker with Leadership Miami, a program of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as a member of the 2015 “40 Under 40” class, she is also a graduate of Valley Leadership Class 33