Board of directors
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Manager, Patty Babb
Patty Babb is personnel manager of the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra. She is one of four individuals (Mary Shaeffer, Bill Dew and Dick Schlegel) who created the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra with the full support of Lyle Hellyer, President of Indian Hills Community College. She was concert mistress/manager of the OSO for the first 20 years after which time she retired from the concert chair and became manager full-time. Patty taught 32 years in the Ottumwa School District and still teaches a small studio of string students. Her favorite activity away from music is fishing.
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President, Maggie Morrissey
It has been my pleasure to have served on the Symphony Board since 2005. I was winding down a career as a music teacher to a part time position, and becoming involved with the Ottumwa Symphony was a great way to spend some newly acquired free time. Much to my delight, the folks serving on that Board were energetic, creative, hard working and welcoming. That remains true to this day!
In 2009, I became President of the Board, an experience that was (and continues to be) both frightening and exciting! From 2014 to 2017, Sally Phippen assumed the presidency, and I began a second term as president in late 2017. We have said goodbye to board members and welcomed new folks who have brought special talents and enthusiasm. We have searched for a Conductor and Music Director and are thrilled to have Dr. William LaRue Jones on board in that capacity. One of my favorite aspects of this activity is watching seasons, concerts and events take shape, growing into excellent and distinctive experiences for our musicians, our staff and our patrons and audience members. To say that I am proud to be associated with this organization would be an understatement, and I love the support and encouragement provided by our patrons and audience members. My husband, Bob also serves on the Board and we really enjoy partnering on this project. We are the proud parents of two daughters, the grandparents of eight, and great grandparents of one! |
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Secretary, Kim Ardueser
Kim has been on the OSO board since 2011 and the Guild since 2010. She is a native Ottumwan and graduated from OHS and Buena Vista. She is the wife of Bill, the proud mother of three grown and independent children Clint, Andy and Jill, and mistress of goldendoodle pup Mabel.
Kim retired after 30 years of working for the State of Iowa, most of that as an auditor. In her spare time, she applies her accounting experience in volunteer roles in support of the Tenco finance board and helping to organize class reunions. She also enjoys golf, senior tennis and bowling leagues. Kim is a cancer survivor and advocate for early detection. Kim enjoys participating with the Guild in putting on the classiest event every year, the annual OSO Christmas Ball. |
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Secretary, Diane Dowling
I joined the Ottumwa Symphony Board about 10 years ago. I worked in Ottumwa Schools for over 42 years – being an elementary teacher and then a middle school counselor. I was active in music all through my time both as a student and a teacher. I have played the organ in several churches in Ottumwa and have sung in several church choirs. I’ m married and have a 5year old granddaughter.
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Balance of board membership
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Dan Dowling
I joined the Ottumwa Symphony about 5 years ago. I am a retired pharmacist. I enjoy the friendships with other board members and being able to contribute to the arts in Ottumwa. I enjoy playing golf. I am married and have a 5 year old granddaughter.
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Mary Beth Hammer
Serving on the symphony board a second time is such an honor. The first time on the board I started our Fall Dinner, the Super Conductor, and various other fundraisers!
It is a privilege working and promoting our own Ottumwa Symphony! After graduating from a Drake University I taught school in the Ottumwa school system. I enjoy working on civic projects and twice co-chaired RAGBRAI, co-chaired the capital campaign for the McCreery Cancer Center, and Light the Viaduct. I’ve served on the boards for Pennsylvania Place, American Homefinding, United Way, and the University of Iowa Parents board. My husband and I were blessed with 3 sons —Mike, Ron, and Chuck, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. |
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Alex Morley
Alex is new to the board as of February 2020. He is a native Iowan, and graduated from Fort Madison High School. He graduated from the University of South Dakota, and after a brief stint in Missouri he returned to Iowa and has called Ottumwa home since 2012. Alex has worked as a financial advisor since 2009, and in his free time enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife Patricia. In addition to the OSO, he serves on the Alumni board of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. He is excited to support the arts here in southeast Iowa.
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More Bios coming soon
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