Who We Are

Columbus Jazz is America’s oldest nonprofit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing, and promoting jazz. Our mission is to advance and celebrate the art of jazz through performance and education, and we divide our resources among the two areas.

Our signature performance series include the Columbus Jazz Orchestra with Byron Stripling, our premiere series featuring world-renowned guests at the Southern Theatre; Columbus Jazz Presents, a series showcasing rising stars, local legends, and national acts at the historic Lincoln Theatre; and PBJ & Jazz family jazz series, which introduces young audiences to the magic of live jazz at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Topiary Park.

Columbus Jazz believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds, and abilities. Through all-ages performances and education programs, we’re proud to be a unique gathering place where everyone can experience unforgettable jazz.

Our History

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) evolved from a group of local professional musicians and educators. Founded by Ray Eubanks in 1973, the orchestra was created to present high-level performances in a big band setting. In 1996, this mission expanded under a new parent organization, the Jazz Arts Group (JAG), with the CJO as its resident big band. Over the last 50 years, the CJO has produced more than 500 jazz performances around the world.

Today, operating as Columbus Jazz, our organization is charting a unique vision for the future of jazz in our city. The CJO is composed of highly regarded local musicians and educators working to make a difference right here in their community. Each season, the orchestra performs over 20 subscription concerts, captivating thousands of attendees annually with world-class jazz and collaborations with world-renowned guest artists.

Support Us

Help support the future of jazz performance and education across Columbus and beyond.

Donate Volunteer with Us

Meet the Board of Directors

Steve Driver, President
Partner | Crowe LLP
Tom Huesman, Secretary
Sales | Marmon Utility
Kyle Welch, Treasurer
Vice President of Commercial Lines Underwriting | Grange Insurance
Gil Gradisar, Past President
Attorney | The Behal Law Group
Mike Peddicord (In Memoriam)
President, July 2024–November 2025
Natalie Adams
VP, Strategic Sourcing, National Brands | Cardinal Health
Jocelyn Armstrong
Director of Inclusion & Outreach | Ohio State Bar Association
Katy Coy
Chief Executive Officer | Columbus Jazz
Michael Cox
Representative | Columbus Jazz Orchestra
Dalena Cupp
Human Resource Business Partner |
EIS Group Inc.
Kevin Flanigan
Director, Center for Gene Therapy | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Mark Hatcher
Partner | BakerHostetler
Dennis Kovach
Deputy Fire Marshal & Chief Plans Examiner | Monroe County Fire Department
Therese McCann
Self Employed | Black Purse
Sandy Meizlish
Senior Partner | Barkan Meizlish LLP

Meet the Staff

Katy Coy
Chief Executive Officer
Byron Stripling
Columbus Jazz Orchestra Artistic Director
Alex Burgoyne
Director of Production
Zach Compston
VP of Education & Community Engagement
Kelly Hebblethwaite Johnson
VP of Development
Sydney Kimble
Development Operations Manager
Mary Longsdorf
Education & Production Coordinator
Pete Mills
Artistic Director, Columbus Jazz Presents
Kendal Smith
Director of Marketing & Communication
Mary Weckman
Education & Engagement Manager
Rizo McCollough
Digital Content Coordinator