Hartford, CT – October 7, 2025 – The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is proud to announce the election of six distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors at the Symphony’s Annual Meeting on October 7. These individuals bring to the Board a wide range of expertise in higher education, technology, workforce development, communications, curriculum design, and nonprofit governance, strengthening the Symphony’s capacity to serve as a leading cultural and civic institution in Greater Hartford. 

“We are honored to welcome such accomplished and dedicated individuals to our Board,” said Robert Bausmith, Chairman of the HSO Board of Directors. “Each new member brings invaluable expertise and perspective that will help the Symphony build on its mission of enriching lives and community through great music.” 

New Board Members

 

Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Ph.D. is a world-renowned neuroscientist and served as the 22nd president of Trinity College. Since 2014, she has led transformational advances in student success, enrollment, and fundraising while more than doubling Trinity’s endowment. A proven leader in higher education and scientific research, Berger-Sweeney carried out the proof-of-concept experiments for Razadyne, one of the most widely used Alzheimer’s drugs, and holds two drug patents. She has more than 30 years of executive experience at selective institutions, including Tufts and Wellesley, and serves as a seasoned nonprofit board member in science, health care, and education. 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Burns is Senior Curriculum Developer at UChicago STEM Education, part of the University of Chicago, where she designs instructional tools and supports teachers nationwide in mathematics education. With more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and developer, she is committed to empowering educators and learners alike. In addition to her professional work, Burns has been deeply engaged in her community since 2008 and currently serves as treasurer of the Farmington Land Trust.  

 

 

 

 

 

Jared Chase is a staff writer and editor at the Pension Real Estate Association, where he contributes to publications, events, research, and membership services for institutional real estate investors. A longtime Hartford Symphony subscriber and supporter, Chase is an active civic leader as treasurer of Hartford Decides, past board chair of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, and a dedicated ESOL tutor. He also remains involved with Vassar College, his undergraduate alma mater, through fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives, and is a proud member of Forte!, a group of younger HSO patrons. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah F. Granfield-Horton is Vice President of Workforce Initiatives at The Open Hearth, with a career dedicated to workforce development, philanthropy, and nonprofit advancement. She has held senior leadership roles at The Governor’s Prevention Partnership and Goodwin University and is a frequent national presenter. Deeply committed to civic life, she co-chairs the HSO’s Generations Capital Campaign Committee, is active in the West End Civic Association, and serves on the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.  

 

 

 

 

 

Julianne LeBlanc is Chief Information Officer of Legrand North & Central America, overseeing technology strategy, operations, cybersecurity and digital transformation for the $5B industrial manufacturer. With more than 20 years of executive IT leadership, she previously served in senior roles at Pratt & Whitney and other United Technologies companies, leading large-scale manufacturing transformation and digital modernization initiatives across a distributed global environment. She holds advanced degrees in Information Management and Economics and has  completed executive programs at INSEAD and UVA Darden School of Business. 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Morin brings more than 20 years of expertise in strategic communications, employee engagement, and corporate social impact. She currently leads communications for AI, Emerging Tech and Data & Analytics at Travelers, and previously held leadership roles at The Hartford, where she advanced philanthropic initiatives and major events focused on sustainability and inclusion. Morin holds degrees from New York University and the University of St. Joseph and combines her professional expertise with a lifelong love of music. 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Hartford Symphony Orchestra
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is a leading cultural institution in Connecticut, renowned for its exceptional performances and commitment to artistic excellence. The HSO brings a diverse range of classical and contemporary music to audiences throughout the region, while also fostering community engagement through education and outreach programs. The orchestra’s mission is to enrich lives and community through great music and to serves as a vibrant cultural resource for the Hartford community and beyond.