Strategic Executive • Artistic Leader • Board Strategist • Community Advocate
Adrian Michael Cunningham
Modern Day
Renaissance
Man
Adrian Michael Cunningham is a modern-day Renaissance man whose gifts move with equal strength through boardrooms, communities, and creative spaces. He is a builder of systems
and a builder of people — a leader shaped by discipline, imagination, and commitment to service. His journey spans
global supply chains, nonprofit transformation, artistic expression, and community uplift, each chapter revealing a new dimension
of his calling. Guided by purpose and grounded in compassion, Adrian brings clarity to complexity, harmony to teams, and opportunity to the communities he serves. His life’s work is a testament to what happens when talent, heart, and vision move together.
Meet Adrian Michael Cunningham
Artistic Leader Executive Strategist Community Builder
Adrian Michael Cunningham is a conductor, musician, baritone, arts executive, supply chain expert, and community servant whose work bridges strategy, music, equity, and organizational excellence. In 2025, he became the first African American to lead a chamber music organization anywhere in the world when he was appointed president of Chamber Music Cincinnati. His leadership is defined by a commitment to expanding access, elevating diverse voices, and building institutions that reflect and serve their communities
For more than two decades, Adrian has shaped Cincinnati’s musical landscape. He has served as minister of music at New Jerusalem Baptist Church for 19 years, directing ensembles across gospel, jazz, and classical traditions. His collaborations include work with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.
As a conductor and artistic leader, Adrian brings a magnetic presence to the podium—one defined by clarity, passion, and a deep belief in the power of music to connect people.
A Legacy through Service-Driven Leadership
Adrian Michael Cunningham leads with service at the center of his work. His influence spans the boardroom, the arts, and the heart of the community, each space shaped by his commitment to compassion, collaboration, and equity. As a board director of the world-class Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, President of the Cincinnati Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, and a community connector, he creates environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Whether nurturing young leaders, expanding access to cultural experiences, or strengthening community partnerships, Adrian’s leadership reflects a lifelong dedication to lifting others and creating lasting, meaningful impact.
In addition to his artistic and community leadership, Adrian Michael Cunningham is a dynamic supply chain and operations executive with more than two decades of experience strengthening systems across consumer goods, manufacturing, nonprofit operations, and healthcare. He is known for driving efficiency, resilience, and equity while developing the people and partnerships that make organizations thrive. A dedicated mentor to senior supply chain students at Miami University and a graduate student in healthcare quality and safety, Adrian brings a lifelong commitment to excellence, learning, and community impact.
The Cunningham family is a vibrant, faith-centered, purpose-driven household rooted in love, resilience, and service. They are a family of creators, leaders, and storytellers, each bringing unique gifts, passions, and callings to the world, yet grounded in the same foundation of compassion, excellence, and community. From boardrooms to classrooms, from stages to service projects, from medical advocacy to artistic expression, the Cunninghams are committed to living with intention and lifting others as they rise. Their family story is one of grace, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of purpose. This page celebrates who they are individually and collectively, a family united by faith, strengthened by experience, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact wherever they go.
Engagements
&
Appearances
Where will Adrian Be Next
Services
Explore a range of services designed to elevate your music experience. From press kits to promotional strategies, we cater to all your musical needs.
Appearances
Book Adrian for live performances, interviews, and special events. His engaging presence and unique sound will captivate any audience.
Consultation
Receive expert advice on music marketing and branding. Tailored sessions to help you navigate the industry and enhance your visibility.
Collaborations
Partner with Adrian for creative projects. Whether it's songwriting or production, let's create something extraordinary together.