Staff

Oliver Inteeworn
Executive Director
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Oliver Inteeworn is the Executive Director of Newport Classical, where he leads the organization’s strategic vision and oversees its continued growth, artistic excellence, and community engagement. He joined Newport Classical in 2026, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s leading classical music institutions.
Most recently, Inteeworn served as Executive Director of the American Symphony Orchestra in New York City from 2018 to 2025. During his tenure, he significantly expanded the orchestra’s season by presenting more than 40 additional free, conductor-less, musician-curated chamber concerts since 2020, reaching thousands of new and underserved audiences across New York City. Allowing musicians to serve as artistic leaders of the organization and inviting them to curate programs reflecting their unique artistic backgrounds led to ASO’s first Jazz ensemble and notable programs, such as celebrating the music of Cuba. He also launched and expanded ASO Online, a free global streaming platform featuring performances, operas, chamber music, and original short films. These initiatives resulted in the largest and most diverse audiences in the orchestra’s history and advanced the ASO’s founding music director Leopold Stokowski’s mission of offering “concerts of great music within the means of everyone” by making high-quality music freely accessible and inclusive.
Previously, Inteeworn held artistic planning and production roles at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Brooklyn Philharmonic, collaborating with hundreds of the world’s leading ensembles and soloists.
At Newport Classical, Inteeworn is leading the implementation of the organization’s 2025 to 2028 strategic plan, which focuses on expanding national awareness and global recognition, deepening engagement with the Newport community, generating new revenue streams, and maintaining long term organizational health, all while staying true to Newport Classical’s mission to celebrate classical music in intimate and iconic settings.
A trained musician, Inteeworn studied in Germany and holds a Diploma in Music Education from the University of Music Saarbrücken and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Columbia University.

Whitney S. Clarke
Director of Development and Communications
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Whitney Clarke joined Newport Classical in December 2017 and serves as Director of Development and Communications. Achieving progressive roles over her tenure and now a key member of the senior leadership team, she oversees the full scope of fundraising and donor engagement initiatives, including cultivation, stewardship, annual appeals, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving. Whitney has successfully driven year-over-year sustainable philanthropic growth through data-driven strategies using CRM and wealth screening tools. Collaborating with colleagues and known for an eagle eye in copy editing, she crafts high-level communications and ensures their alignment with organizational messaging and goals.
She credits her strong capacity for strategic thinking, event planning, relationship management, and hands-on execution to over 15 years of diverse experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, from managing complex securities litigation and regulatory matters in Washington, D.C., and counseling clients in financial literacy in Lemoore, CA, to spearheading major social engagements in Virginia Beach, VA.
Originally from Louisville, KY, Whitney earned her B.A. in Political Science from Boston University, establishing her deep love for New England. While her passions lie in history and art, she has a profound appreciation for the beauty of and skill necessary to perform exceptional classical music. She is proud to fulfill the organization’s mission by building and maintaining strong relationships with its supporters while successfully achieving ambitious fundraising goals.

Trevor S. Neal
Director of Artistic Planning
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Trevor Neal joined Newport Classical in August 2019 and currently serves as Director of Artistic Planning. As a member of the senior leadership team, he guides the organization’s artistic vision and programming strategy, curating rich and varied offerings including the annual Music Festival, year-round Chamber Series, Community and Children’s Concerts, and special events. He oversees all aspects of artistic planning and production, including artist engagement, repertoire development, contracting, commissioning initiatives, and technical logistics.
Trevor began his tenure at Newport Classical as Education & Outreach Coordinator, where he established the organization’s Music Education and Engagement Initiative. Through this program, he built partnerships with local schools and community organizations, integrating live performances by visiting artists into educational settings across Newport County. In his current role, he continues to provide guidance and oversight to support the program’s ongoing success and community impact.
An accomplished operatic baritone, Trevor first appeared with Newport Classical as a Festival Artist before joining the staff. He has performed with companies including Dallas Opera, Sarasota Opera, Virginia Opera, and Opera San José, and has been praised by Opera News for his “warm and rich baritone.” He continues to perform when his schedule allows. He also serves on the board of the chamber choir Ensemble Altera.
Trevor holds a B.M. in Music Performance from the University of North Texas. As both a professional singer and artistic planner, he is committed to strengthening Newport Classical’s diverse and engaging programming.

Shawn Green
Interim Director of Finance
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Shawn Green joined Newport Classical in 2025 as Director of Finance & Operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, she oversees the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, billing, and treasury functions while supporting day-to-day finance operations across departments.
Before joining Newport Classical, Shawn held senior finance leadership roles in rapidly growing companies across the entertainment, technology, and consumer industries—most recently as Senior Director of Finance and Treasury with OceanX. Over her career, she has implemented ERP systems, redesigned treasury and cash management operations, modernized billing and collections processes, and guided organizations through acquisition transitions and operational transformation. Her leadership has spanned accounts receivable, accounts payable, forecasting, employee expense management, and global credit operations.
With nearly two decades of finance experience, Shawn brings deep expertise in process optimization, financial systems, and operational workflow design. She is committed to strengthening financial foundations that help mission-driven organizations plan confidently and operate sustainably in support of meaningful artistic and community programs.
Shawn earned her B.S. B.A at Boston University’s School of Management.

Elise Felker
Director of Marketing
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Elise Felker joined Newport Classical in September 2023 as Customer Experience and Marketing Manager. After establishing herself as a key contributor to the team, she was promoted in May 2025 to a senior leadership role as Director of Marketing.
Drawing on a background in both arts marketing and education, Elise leads Newport Classical’s marketing, branding, and customer experience strategies. She is responsible for driving concert attendance, elevating the organization’s visibility, and creating a welcoming and engaging environment for patrons at every touchpoint.
She oversees promotional campaigns across digital, print, and radio, leads grassroots marketing efforts, manages the website, social media, and email marketing, and develops content that highlights all of Newport Classical’s programs. Elise also supervises box office and front-of-house staff, ensuring a smooth and positive patron experience from start to finish.
Elise holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island. In addition to her work with Newport Classical, she co-directs the Newport County Youth Chorus, teaches through the Free Lessons Program at the Newport Festivals Foundation, and performs with the Boston-based ensemble VOICES 21C. She brings a passion for connecting people to music through strategic storytelling, digital engagement, and creative advertising that embraces inclusivity and broadens audience reach.

Elsa Carreras
Development and Education Manager
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Elsa Carreras joined Newport Classical in September 2023 and serves as Development and Education Manager. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she brings over seven years of experience in the music industry spanning performance, front-of-house management, and arts administration, including roles with organizations such as Newport Festivals Foundation and the Berklee Performance Center.
Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications, Elsa supports fundraising efforts through grant writing, donor stewardship, and database management. Additionally, she leads Newport Classical’s Music Education and Engagement Initiative, creating opportunities for artists to engage meaningfully with local students, distributing free student and community tickets to those for whom ticket prices are out of reach, and fostering academic and community partnerships.
Elsa graduated summa cum laude with a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music. Her passion for using music as a tool for connection and community-building drives her dedication to expanding access to arts education.

Brooke Daigle
Marketing and Engagement Coordinator
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Brooke Daigle joined Newport Classical in May 2025 as Box Office Coordinator before transitioning into her current role as Marketing and Engagement Coordinator. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, she supports the organization’s strategic marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts, helping to amplify Newport Classical’s mission and deepen its connection with audiences. Drawing from her experience at the Providence Performing Arts Center box office, Brooke manages Newport Classical’s daily box office functions, handles patron inquiries, and contributes to dynamic marketing initiatives that enhance visibility, grow brand awareness, and build lasting relationships within the community.
Brooke earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University in 2023. She brings her passion for the performing arts, artistic insight, and commitment to storytelling into every facet of her work.

Reggie Onorati
Graphic Designer
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Reggie Onorati joined Newport Classical in November 2021 as the Marketing & Communications Manager, where he played a pivotal role in leading Newport Classical’s rebranding and developing its communications strategy. In October 2022, Reggie transitioned into a part-time role as Graphic Designer. In this capacity, he draws on his background in fine art and design to shape the visual identity of Newport Classical. His work includes designing concert programs, brochures, annual reports, signage, and a wide range of other visual materials that support the organization’s mission and brand.
Reggie holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Art History from Emerson College. In addition to his role at Newport Classical, he runs a successful freelance marketing and design consulting business.

Gail Skidmore
Head of Volunteers

Larry Brown, Luca Music
Piano Technician
Board Members
The major responsibilities of the Board are to help set Newport Classical’s strategic direction, to uphold its mission, to provide governance and oversight of its operations, and maintain the organization’s financial stability. Board members are public ambassadors for the organization and are vital to the organization’s ability to advance its mission. This is volunteerism at its finest, and the organization depends on its Board for their generous donation of time, energy, resources, and expertise for strength and advancement.

Suzanna Laramee
President

Stephen B. Huttler Esq.
Vice President

Melanie Mason Niemiec
Treasurer

Leslie Mathieu Hogan
Secretary

Barry M. Berger, MD FCAP

John T. Boxer

Ingrid Chung

Louise Johnson

Randolph R. Johnson, CEBS

Stephen D. Johnson

Alys D. Krichavsky

Terry H. Morgenthaler

Donald W. Osborne

Diana Pearson

Maria Elena Vergara
Leadership Council
This group of esteemed community members offers insight and counsel to the Executive Director on an individual basis or by participating on a Board committee.
We are incredibly grateful for their valuable contributions to the strategic direction of the organization.
Alicia Anthony
Carol Bazarsky
Nancy Grasing
Elizabeth Hamilton
Tanya Hayes
Xay Khamsyvoravong
Susan McKee
Cynthia Sinclair
Dwight Sipprelle
Susan Sipprelle
Ruth Thumbtzen
John Winkleman
Newport Classical aspires to attract a diverse membership to its Board of Directors that reflects the community we serve.
If you are interested in being considered for Board membership or would like to nominate someone for consideration, please email info@newportclassical.org.









