Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Names New Board Chair
Katherine Calkins Lindahl Named Chair of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors
Longtime board leader assumes role following year of service as Chair-Elect
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) today announced the appointment of Katherine Lindahl as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026.
Lindahl succeeds Diana Clarkson, Esq., who completed her term as Board Chair after helping guide the organization through a period of significant growth and transition. Clarkson will continue to serve the RPO as Immediate Past Chair of the Board.
Lindahl has served as Chair-Elect of the RPO Board of Directors over the past year, working closely with Clarkson and fellow board members to advance the organization’s strategic priorities and ensure a seamless leadership transition. She has been an active member of the RPO Board since 2021, serving in leadership roles that include stints on the Executive and Governance committees. She starts her third consecutive 3-year term in July.
Lindahl brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience to her role as Board Chair. She joined Rochester Midland Corporation (RMC)—the fourth-generation family-owned specialty chemical manufacturer founded by her great-grandfather—in 1993 after a successful career in advertising and publishing in New York City. Over the next three decades, she held a series of increasingly senior leadership positions before being named Co-Chief Executive Officer in 2013, overseeing company operations, manufacturing, and strategic growth. During her tenure, RMC expanded its international reach, strengthened its commitment to sustainability, and continued its growth as a leading manufacturer serving customers in nearly 70 countries. Following the company’s successful partnership with private equity firm Peak Rock Capital in 2023, Lindahl helped lead the executive transition before stepping down as CEO in 2024.
Lindahl’s experience leading a complex, multi-generational family enterprise, coupled with her longstanding commitment to the Rochester community and the arts, positions her well to help guide the RPO through its next chapter of artistic and organizational growth.
“Katherine has been an outstanding leader, thoughtful collaborator, and passionate advocate for the RPO,” said outgoing Board Chair Diana Clarkson. “Over the past year, she has worked alongside the board and senior leadership to ensure a seamless transition, and I have every confidence that she will continue building on the organization’s remarkable momentum.”
Incoming RPO President and CEO Tonya McBride Robles welcomed Lindahl into her new leadership role.
“As the RPO enters an exciting new chapter, Katherine brings the vision, governance experience, and deep commitment to our mission that will help guide the organization into the future,” said McBride Robles. “I look forward to partnering with her and the Board of Directors as we continue advancing the RPO’s mission through artistic excellence, community impact, and responsible stewardship for generations to come.”
Reflecting on her appointment, Lindahl said she is honored to serve an organization that plays such a vital role in the cultural life of Rochester.
“The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is one of our community’s greatest treasures, enriching lives through extraordinary music, education, and meaningful community engagement,” said Lindahl. “I am honored to serve as Board Chair and grateful for the leadership of Diana Clarkson and those who have come before me. Together with our musicians, staff, fellow board members, donors, volunteers, and community partners, I look forward to building on the RPO’s strong foundation and creating even more opportunities for people throughout our community to experience the power of live orchestral music.”
As Board Chair, Lindahl will work closely with the Board of Directors and executive leadership to advance the RPO’s strategic priorities, strengthen community partnerships, support long-term financial sustainability, and help ensure the orchestra continues to thrive well into its second century.
ABOUT THE RPO
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region as part of our RPO For All initiative sponsored by M&T Bank. Andreas Delfs was named music director in 2021, following notable RPO music directors Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 32nd season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in Pops programming during his tenure with the RPO. The RPO reaches more than 30,000 through its specific education programs. The 2026-2027 season is sponsored by Kimbo Coffee, the official coffee of the RPO.
