FOUNDER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Board President

Board Member since 2025

Ashley Fleming is the Assistant Director of rootED Missouri at Ozarks Technical Community College. Originally from the Lake of the Ozarks, Ashley attended Drury University, where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Ashley is passionate about cultivating a community in which all can thrive. In action to her involvement with Queen City Chorale, Ashley is a graduate of Leadership Springfield – Class 47, volunteers for Ozarks Literacy Council, and is a deacon at National Avenue Christian Church. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family – usually outside or playing board games.

Treasurer

Board Member since 2025

Matthew Suarez joined Central Trust Company in 2014. He is dedicated to helping clients build a portfolio that meets their needs while minimizing their risk. Matthew enjoys researching the markets and serving his clients as a trusted advisor for investments. Matthew is active in the community, participating in several civic groups. He is the past President for the Rotary Club of Springfield and Vice President of the Alpha House Board of Directors. Matthew is also a graduate of Leadership Springfield – Class 37. As a result of his professional achievements and civic involvement, he was named a “Man of the Year,” a “Trusted Advisor” in Wealth Management, and a 40 Under 40 Recipient from the Springfield Business Journal, as well as a “Frannie” award recipient from the Springfield Little Theatre. In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, spending time on Table Rock Lake, and travelling to warmer waters where he practices his skills as a Master SCUBA Diver.

Marketing Chair

Board Member since 2025

Hayley Cobb is the Communications Director for Leadership Springfield, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing community leaders and inspiring civic engagement. In this role, she oversees all marketing and communications efforts for the organization's programs, including Rosie, a free women's networking group. Beyond her professional work, Hayley is actively engaged in the Springfield community. She serves on the Leadership Council for The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals, and was recognized by the Springfield Business Journal as one of its 2025 40 Under 40 honorees. Hayley also serves on the Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri and volunteers on the Youth Group Leadership Team at Christ Episcopal Church, where she has been a member for over 15 years. A southwest Missouri native, Hayley graduated from Drury University with a degree in strategic communication and marketing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the Ozarks with her dog, Harper!

Board Member since 2026

Deborah Baucom, MBA, is a nonprofit consultant, arts administrator, and fundraising professional. Her career has spanned higher education, philanthropy, and the performing arts, including serving as Executive Director of Development for the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation, where she led institution-wide fundraising initiatives and served as the primary development officer for the College of Fine Arts and Design. Highlights from her tenure include leading fundraising campaigns to secure the coveted All Steinway designation for the School of Music and a capital campaign to renovate the historic Mitchell Hall Theatre. Earlier in her career, she served as Development Manager for Tulsa Ballet, helping strengthen support for arts education and performance programs.

A lifelong advocate for the arts, Deborah holds a degree in dance and arts management from Oklahoma City University. She remains passionate about ensuring that arts organizations have the resources, visibility, and community support needed to thrive.

Deborah lives in Springfield with her husband, Bryan, and their two children, Katherine and Bear. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Queen City Chorale and support its mission of artistic excellence, community connection, and lifelong engagement in choral music.

Board Member since 2026

Angela Gannon has called Springfield home since childhood and discovered her passion for music early on, earning all-state choir honors at Kickapoo High School and a vocal scholarship to MSU. Though her career took her into community service, Angela’s love for music remains central. Over the years, she has shared her voice at weddings, graduations, community gatherings, and as of present, special music guest for Unity Spiritual Center of Springfield. As Community Relations Coordinator at Great Southern Bank, Angela connects with nonprofits across southwest Missouri and champions volunteerism among more than 1,000 associates companywide. She serves on committees for the United Way Ozarks Region and Children’s Miracle Network. She is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Access class 10 and Signature Class 45. Angela is proud to support local arts and enjoys time with her family, attending local theater, and staying active. She is honored to serve on the Queen City Chorale board and support the region’s vibrant choral community.

Board Member since 2026

Jason Edward Grife is a nonprofit leader, arts administrator, and marketing professional with experience in fundraising and organizational development. As the former Executive Director of Oklahoma Youth Orchestras, he led organizational growth initiatives, expanded community partnerships, and guided strategic planning efforts in support of music education throughout the state.

His nonprofit career also includes leadership and development roles with Canterbury Voices, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and The Kitchen, Inc. In addition, Jason spent nearly a decade in leadership, business development, and human resources roles within the kitchen and bath industry. His previous board service includes the Oklahoma Chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and a Master of Music from Oklahoma City University. He is honored to support Queen City Chorale's mission as both a singer and member of its Board of Directors.

Board Member since 2026

Eric Lampe is a lifelong Springfield Resident graduating from Springfield Catholic High School and Missouri State University. He started his career in public accounting in 2006 working primarily for The Whitlock Company. In 2022, he left public accounting to become the Senior Director of the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks.

Eric has had the privilege to serve on a variety of boards in the Springfield Community most recently serving as Board President of both the ARC of the Ozarks and The Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise.

He currently lives in Springfield Missouri with his wife Amanda and 2 children. On warm weekends you can usually find him camping with his friends and family.

Board Member since 2024

A Springfield native, Emily Melton graduated from Missouri State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Music and currently acts as the Community Coordinator, Partner and Student Engagement at efactory, an entrepreneurship and small business resource center that is a part of Missouri State University. She is passionate about investing in the people of Springfield and providing opportunities for community enrichment. Outside of efactory, Emily spends most of her time performing and creating music. Beyond Queen City Chorale, she also serves on the Associate Board at Springfield Little Theatre. She has also performed both domestically and internationally with the Missouri State University Chorale, and was a founding member of Missouri State’s Multicultural Ensemble. Emily was the former Music Director for Missouri State University’s premiere all-gender a cappella group, The Hibernotes, with whom she won numerous awards for both performance and music arrangements.

Board Member since 2025

Kelsea Suarez is a Missouri native and graduate of Missouri State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business in 2022. She has been with Great Southern Bank for more than a decade and currently serves as their Communications and Marketing Project Manager. In addition, she works as a spa therapist at Be•Spoke Head Spa blending creativity and care. Passionate about the arts and community engagement, Kelsea is dedicated to supporting initiatives that make Springfield a brighter place to live. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys family time, adventures with her dogs, lake days at Table Rock, and savoring a good cup of coffee.