Meet the New FMH Executive Director

Nancy Knauf has been appointed Executive Director for the Friends of Music Hall, a dynamic organization with a mission to preserve, improve, promote and provide education about Cincinnati Music Hall. Nancy oversees the historic preservation organization’s day-to-day operations and strategy. Her key responsibilities include management of the 30-person board of directors and the organization’s nearly 40 tour guides. With board member support and engagement, she handles event planning and implementation, fundraising, membership development, financial management, marketing and communications, and efforts regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. She began her new position in the FMH office on the balcony level of at Music Hall on May 6, 2024.

Nancy came to the Friends of Music Hall from a position most recently as a Career Navigator and Small Business Specialist with the Kenton County Public Library where she helped hundreds of small business owners, entrepreneurs and job seekers. Her extensive background in music, both as an educator and a singer, was the foundation for managing a Kindermusik program for children. She also is an experienced marketer, having worked for Cincinnati Bell, two advertising agencies, and Turfway Park.

A resident of Newport, Nancy has been active with the East Row Historic District. A past member of the May Festival Chorus, she presently sings with the Viva Voices Choral organization.

Peter E. Koenig, president of the board of the Friends of Music Hall, said, “We are very pleased to have identified Nancy Knauf as the Executive Director of the Friends of Music Hall. Her extensive skills at cultivating relationships, marketing, managing events, fundraising and her love of music and community engagement make her a perfect choice for this important position, especially as we approach the 150th anniversary of the opening of Music Hall in 2028.”