Penny Jonas and Mary Miller
04/10/23
Changing of the Chair
After six years, Penny Jonas has stood down as chair of Mahogany Opera and Mary Miller has taken on the role.
Mary, who joined the board of Mahogany in December 2022, brings many years’ experience of international arts leadership in the UK, US and Norway and a passion for community engagement in opera. Now based in Edinburgh, Mary is perfectly placed to support Mahogany as we focus more of our work in Scotland.
Mary said: "To take over the chair from Penny Jonas is such a privilege - what an extraordinary role she has played in Mahogany´s journey. So, with some trepidation but considerable excitement, I am determined to continue our forward momentum, to develop the company’s Scottish focus and to support overall an excellent leadership team in our wide range of work, from international ambitions to life-enhancing collaborations in small communities. Mahogany´s commitment to work across generations and over conventional boundaries is unique. I’m proud to become their greatest champion."
Penny Jonas has been an outstanding and committed colleague and supporter of Mahogany. Having started working with the company in 2010, she became a trustee in 2013. During her tenure as chair, she guided the company expertly and compassionately through the pandemic, oversaw an expansion and diversification of the board and led on the recruitment of our current Executive Director, Bridget Rennie. Her generosity and spirit has inspired the company and she leaves us resilient and in buoyant mood for the future. While we wish her well in her future endeavours, Penny will always remain a dear and valued member of the Mahogany family.
Penny said: "Working with Mahogany over the ten year period has been particularly rewarding as well as a very happy experience. On taking the chair, I was indebted to my two fellow trustees at that time for their loyalty, wisdom and experience, as well as the Mahogany team who worked so assiduously to keep the company fit and flying through some turbulent times.
Now, headed up by Bridget and Freddie, supported by a new, highly experienced Chair with an enlarged and very able board of new trustees, I wave farewell but not goodbye, with the best of wishes as well as confidence for the company’s future strength and success."
