New board members bring decades of corporate, healthcare and nonprofit leadership — and longstanding ties to Canton Ballet
Canton Ballet has appointed Kathy Panterelis Viola and Jennifer Vitale Deuble to its Board of Directors, adding two accomplished leaders whose experience spans corporate management, strategic planning, healthcare, education, nonprofit governance and community service.
“Kathy and Jennifer bring exceptional professional experience as well as meaningful personal connections to Canton Ballet,” said Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, Executive Artistic Director. “Their leadership and perspective will be tremendous assets as we continue strengthening the organization and expanding our impact throughout the community.”
Kathy Panterelis Viola
Management & Marketing Consultant
A Canton Ballet alumna, Kathy Viola brings nearly four decades of corporate, executive and consulting experience in operations, strategic planning, marketing, business development and commercial real estate. Her career includes leadership positions with The Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, Forest City Enterprises, MarketPlace Development and Madison Marquette.
As general manager of the concession program at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Viola helped lead a major five-phase retail redevelopment program encompassing leasing, operations, compliance, marketing and tenant coordination. During her tenure, airport food and retail revenue increased 15%, and her work contributed to national industry recognition for marketing and customer experience.
Viola later joined Madison Marquette as part of the opening team for The Wharf, Washington, D.C. ‘s $2.5 billion, 3.5-million-square-foot mixed-use waterfront development, where she managed approximately 200,000 square feet of retail space. Earlier in her career, she held general manager positions with Forest City Enterprises and The Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Viola brings significant civic and governance experience. She previously served on the Arlington/Alexandria Workforce Investment Board and Arlington County Department of Economic Development’s Smartscape Advisory Board and held executive board and committee leadership roles with the Arlington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Ballston Partnership.
Viola holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with additional MBA-level coursework in managerial finance and business ethics at Marymount University. She also earned the Certified Marketing Director designation from the International Council of Shopping Centers.
“My years at Canton Ballet taught me discipline, creativity and the value of striving for excellence — lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career,” Viola said. “I’m honored to return in this new role and look forward to supporting Canton Ballet’s strategic vision and continued success.”
Jennifer Vitale Deuble
Certified Child Life Specialist
Akron Children’s Hospital
Jennifer Deuble’s connection to Canton Ballet is rooted in a family legacy spanning more than five decades. Her parents first became involved with Canton Ballet in the 1970s, beginning a tradition of service, philanthropy and leadership that continues today.
A former student in the School of Canton Ballet, Deuble grew up immersed in the organization alongside her two sisters, who performed with the Canton Ballet Company. Her mother, Sophie, chaired numerous successful fundraisers, while her father served on the Board of Directors and contributed countless hours of hands-on volunteer service. When Canton Ballet was housed in the former First Christian Church in downtown Canton — before the building was lost to fire — her father personally sanded floors and painted studios, helping transform the space into a home for generations of dancers.
Deuble has continued that tradition in her own right, most recently co-chairing Canton Ballet’s 60th Anniversary Gala before joining the Board of Directors.
Professionally, Deuble brings more than 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She currently serves as a Certified Child Life Specialist in Pediatric Palliative Care at Akron Children’s Hospital. Her career has also included Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Hospice of the Western Reserve, and nearly six years as an adjunct instructor at The University of Akron.
Deuble holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mills College and a bachelor’s degree in English from William Smith College. She also brings nonprofit governance experience, including executive board service with the Early Childhood Resource Center and Canton Montessori School and board service with the Aultman Women’s Board and Flashes of Hope.
“Canton Ballet has been part of my family’s life for more than 50 years,” Deuble said. “My parents believed deeply in this organization and gave their time, energy and support to help it grow. My sisters and I grew up as part of that community, and it is incredibly meaningful to now have the opportunity to continue their legacy through my own service to Canton Ballet.”
“Kathy and Jennifer represent an extraordinary combination of executive expertise, community leadership and institutional connection,” Hayward said. “We are fortunate to have them helping guide Canton Ballet into its next chapter.”
The appointments reflect Canton Ballet’s continued commitment to strong governance and community leadership as the organization expands dance education, community partnerships and artistic programming throughout Northeast Ohio.
