First African American to Lead the BSO Board in Its 109-Year History

Baltimore, MD (November 2025) — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has announced the election of Christian Johansson as Chair of its Board of Directors, marking a historic first for the organization. Johansson succeeds Barry F. Rosen, who concludes a transformative six-year tenure that guided the Orchestra through one of the most pivotal periods in its modern history. Rosen will remain on the Board as Immediate Past Chair for the 2025–26 season.

A respected civic and business leader, Johansson currently serves as Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer at Stella May, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience spanning public service, entrepreneurship, and executive management. His prior roles include President of Laureate Partners, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development under Governor Martin O’Malley, and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore.

Since joining the BSO Board in 2017, Johansson has played a key role in shaping the Orchestra’s governance and strategic direction. He co-represented the BSO in the 2019–20 State Workgroup on the BSO, a state-led initiative that produced a roadmap for the Orchestra’s 2020–25 collective bargaining agreement and long-term sustainability. Johansson has also chaired the Governance Committee, served as Board Vice Chair, and contributed to multiple executive task forces, including the President and CEO Search Committee.

“I am deeply honored to follow in Barry’s footsteps and to help guide the BSO into its next era,” said Johansson. “So much in our world divides us, but music unites us, and the Orchestra’s strength lies in its connection to our community. We need that now more than ever.”

Rosen’s leadership (2019–2025) encompassed historic transformation. Under his guidance, the BSO navigated the pandemic, advanced two multi-year collective bargaining agreements, and successfully recruited Music Director Jonathon Heyward and President and CEO Mark Hanson. A longtime Baltimorean and partner at Gordon Feinblatt, Rosen has supported the Orchestra for over 50 years as a patron, volunteer, and donor.

To honor Rosen’s legacy, Gordon Feinblatt, together with Rosen and his wife Susan, is establishing an endowed fund to support student access to BSO educational programs, including the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras and BSO OrchKids.

“Barry’s leadership was defined by calm, clarity, and conviction,” said Mark C. Hanson, BSO President and CEO. “He led through unprecedented challenges with unwavering commitment to the BSO’s mission and people.”

“Christian’s leadership experience and dedication to the BSO’s mission make him the ideal successor,” added Barry F. Rosen. “He brings both vision and pragmatism to the role, and I’m confident the Orchestra will continue to thrive under his stewardship.”