We are pleased to announce an important leadership transition on the CYSO Board of Directors.
With Gratitude to our Outgoing Chair
CYSO would like to express our deepest gratitude to Board Chair Emeritus Brittany Viola for her dedicated service to our organization. Since joining the Board in 2017, Brittany has made countless contributions to CYSO’s growth and development. During her tenure as Board Chair from 2023-2025, she skillfully guided our Executive Director transition and provided invaluable support to the CYSO staff during a comprehensive update to organizational systems. This significant modernization of our development and program processes has enhanced staff productivity, capacity, and organizational culture.
We are delighted that Brittany will continue to share her expertise with CYSO as co-Chair of the Artistic Education and Innovation Committee. Her ongoing commitment to our mission ensures that her influence will continue to shape CYSO’s future.
Welcoming Our New Board Chair
It is with great enthusiasm that CYSO welcomes Tyler Forbes as our new Board Chair. Tyler has served as Vice Chair since 2023, working alongside Brittany Viola with friendship and dedication. In just a few short weeks in her new role, Tyler’s leadership qualities and organizational acumen have already made a positive impact on our team. Her love of music and generous spirit perfectly align with CYSO’s values and mission.
Tyler’s vision and guidance will be instrumental as we embark on the next chapter of CYSO’s historic legacy. We look forward to hearing the perspectives and innovative ideas she will bring to our organization.
Tyler Forbes is Vice President, Payments Product at JPMorgan Chase, where she leads payment product innovation to modernize legacy payment infrastructure for large corporate clients and fintechs. Since joining the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras Board of Directors in 2021, she completed a two-year term as Vice Chair and was elected Board Chair in June 2025.
Her lifelong connection to music began at age seven, and she played viola in string ensembles and quartets for sixteen years. Today she continues to create music at home, playing viola and guitar, and singing.Tyler holds an M.B.A. in International Business Administration from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and a B.A. in Modern Language and Culture from Kennesaw State University.
Outside of her professional and board commitments, she is an advocate for women’s leadership, a proud former Miss Illinois 2021, and an avid traveler. She and her husband live in Chicago with their two cats, Max and Monroe.
“As CYSO’s new Board Chair, I am honored to support a mission that cultivates personal excellence through music. I have seen firsthand how this organization empowers young people to grow not only as musicians, but as individuals and future leaders. I look forward to working alongside our extraordinary community of staff, students, families, and fellow board members to champion this work in the years ahead.”
Please join us in thanking Brittany for her exceptional service and welcoming Tyler to her new role as Board Chair. Together, we will continue to advance CYSO’s mission of inspiring and cultivating personal excellence through music.
