SBLO Board of Directors
Coley Mroczek
President
Coley is a longstanding supporter of the arts within the South Bend community, and has served on the SBLO board since 2017. In addition to his work to keep SBLO continually moving forward, he also serves as stage manager for most of the SBLO productions, supporting cast and crew through the rehearsal and preparation process and ensuring that each opera is presented to the audience with the highest overall performance quality possible.
Stephanie Rizk
Vice President and Secretary
As a founding member of LangLab South Bend, Stephanie has supported SBLO from its earliest days. She has over 20 years of experience with project management, grant writing, strategic planning, and team leadership. She currently supports SBLO through the development and execution of a planned growth phase, enabling a sustainable operational and financial infrastructure to ensure a strong future for SBLO as a cornerstone of South Bend's arts community.
Ramona Gibson
Treasurer
As Treasurer of the South Bend Lyric Opera Board, Ramona Gibson brings both a passion for the performing arts and a professional background in finance. She joined 1st Source Bank as a Private Banking Associate in June 2025. Combining her financial expertise with her dedication to the arts, Ramona is committed to supporting the South Bend Lyric Opera’s mission, strengthening its financial sustainability, and helping expand opportunities for exceptional operatic performances and community engagement throughout the region. Prior to coming to South Bend, Ramona spent fifteen years in San Antonio, Texas, working with multiple theater and choral organizations in a variety of performing and volunteer roles. Ramona studied voice and opera in college, fostering a lifelong appreciation for musical performance and arts education.
Nancy Menk
Member
Nancy holds the Mary Lou and Judd Leighton Chair in Music at Saint Mary’s College where she is celebrating her 39th year as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. She also serves as Chair of the Department of Music and teaches graduate conducting at the University of Notre Dame. She is founder and conductor of the South Bend Chamber Singers, completing their 35th season this year. Under her direction, both the South Bend Chamber Singers and the Saint Mary's College Women’s Choir regularly commission, perform, and record new works for their series on the ProOrgano label.
Dr. Dror Baitel
Member
Dr. Dror Baitel is a collaborative pianist, conductor, and coach recognized for his virtuosity and versatility across opera, musical theater, and the concert stage. He has performed internationally, conducting La Traviata in Vienna with the Vienna Opera Academy and performing alongside renowned artist Marina Abramović in Shanghai. He is also an active recording artist with three releases to date. On Broadway, Baitel was part of the original music team for Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking Hamilton and served as pianist and conductor for Dear Evan Hansen. Dr. Baitel earned his doctorate from the Juilliard School and currently serves as Music Director for Opera and Musical Theater at the University of Notre Dame, where he leads productions across the operatic and musical theater repertoire.
Caroline Klapp
Member
Caroline Klapp is an award-winning investigative reporter and anchor for WNDU 16 News Now. In addition to investigative reporting, Caroline anchors the 5 o'clock evening news alongside George Mallet. She joined the 16 News Now team in 2024 and was honored with the 2024 First Place Award for Investigative Reporting by The Indiana Chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists. Caroline holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Texas Christian University. Her connection to opera also runs in the family. Caroline’s great-uncle, Carlton Gauld was a professional opera singer making his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1931 and later at the Opera-Comique in Paris.
Haley Rulli
Member
Haley Rulli is a Wealth Advisor at Indiana Trust Wealth Management, where she has served since 2017, advancing through several roles before becoming a Wealth Advisor in 2025. In her current role, Haley partners with clients to provide fiduciary and investment management services, emphasizing personalized care, thoughtful stewardship, and long-term relationships. Haley holds a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College and previously gained leadership experience in the education sector. Her musical training includes jazz choir and private operatic voice study, followed by vocal performance at Bethel College as a member of the college chorus. These experiences fostered a lasting appreciation for the arts and their ability to bring people together. She is particularly interested in strengthening SBLO’s relationships with audiences, artists, and the broader community.
SBLO Staff & Support
Hannah Counsellor
Web Developer & Graphic Designer
Hannah has been part of the South Bend Lyric Opera family since its very first performance of La Bohème in 2016 - this time as a performer. Since 2019, she has served as SBLO’s graphic designer, bringing a creative eye to posters, programs, and branding, and in 2024, she expanded her role to include web development. With a strong background in music and design, Hannah loves blending artistry and strategy to help tell SBLO’s story in a visually compelling way.
