Adrian Michael Cunningham is a true Renaissance man—an artist, executive, educator, and community leader whose life blends musical mastery, strategic vision, and unwavering service.

A native of Gadsden, Alabama, Adrian’s musical journey began early in his musically gifted family. He was singing at age four, playing violin by six, and adding saxophone by twelve. Even as a collegiate athlete, his passion for music never dimmed—he famously spent halftime not in the locker room, but on the field playing saxophone with the marching band.

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A classically trained baritone and violinist, Adrian has performed professionally in opera, on violin, and as an accomplished saxophonist. His artistic path expanded at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he became a founding member and the first student director of the nationally acclaimed UAB Gospel Choir. He credits this experience as the turning point that ignited his passion for teaching, directing, and building choirs. Adrian holds dual degrees from UAB—a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Music Performance with concentrations in Voice and Violin, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare, Quality, and Safety.

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For nearly two decades, Adrian has served as Minister of Music at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, leading the award-winning Rhythmic Sounds of New “J.” His influence extends across the region as Founder & Director of Music for the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s All‑Star Gospel Choir, Music Leader for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots Mass Choir, and Musical Director for the Cincinnati Opera’s Opera Goes to Church series. His work has been featured on national stages, including serving as Musical Director for the 2014 National Urban League Conference. In 2017, he served as Executive Producer for New Jerusalem’s debut choir album, composing six of its ten songs and earning seven award nominations.

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A respected clinician, consultant, and educator, Adrian has taught voice, violin, and saxophone privately and is widely sought after for his expertise in choral development, vocal pedagogy, and artistic leadership. His excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Wendell P. Dabney Award for Diversity (2014), the Outstanding Minister of Music Award from I Hear Music, Inc. (2023), and a 2024 proclamation from the Mayor of Cincinnati declaring June 16, 2024, as “Adrian Michael Cunningham Day.” He has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati in 2013, 2014, 2023, and again in 2025 as “Cincinnati’s Most Influential.”

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Beyond the arts, Adrian is a distinguished executive with more than 25 years of leadership in global supply chain and operations. He has held senior roles with major organizations—including Cintas and The Gorilla Glue Company - and currently serves as Director of Supply Chain Operations at TriHealth, where he oversees hospital logistics, materials management, and sustainability initiatives.

Adrian’s commitment to service runs deep. He is the Immediate Past Polemarch of the Cincinnati (OH) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he led a 65% membership increase and guided the chapter to two East Central Province Chapter of the Year awards. He currently serves as President of the Cincinnati Alumni Kappa Foundation and as a member of the Grand Chapter Constitution & Statutes Committee.

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His appointment as President of Chamber Music Cincinnati made history—Adrian is the first Black person in the world to lead a chamber music organization. He also serves in his second term as a Board Member of the world-class Cincinnati Symphony/Pops Orchestra. His past leadership includes serving as President, Vice President, and Fine Arts Chair of the Indian Hill Boosters Board, as well as District Commissioner and Vice‑Chair within the Boy Scouts of America.

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A devoted family man, Adrian has been married for 25 years to Takiyah J. Cunningham, and together they are the proud parents of three exceptional daughters: Dylan, recent MBA graduate of Hampton University; Emery, a Musical Theatre major at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee; and Maison, a high school senior.

Adrian Michael Cunningham’s life is a testament to the power of dedication, artistry, and service. Whether on the podium, in the boardroom, or within the community, he continues to inspire, uplift, and lead with purpose, leaving an indelible impact on every stage he touches.