Steve O’Brien is the Vice Chair of the Madison Area Music Association and a driving force behind MAMA’s transformation into a modern, community‑anchoring organization. With more than 20 years of leadership experience across technology, music publishing, and nonprofit strategy, Steve brings a rare blend of technical fluency, creative insight, and systems‑level thinking to the board.
Steve is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Noble Applications, a Madison‑based firm that designs and builds intuitive, high‑impact native mobile applications. He leads with a collaborative, client‑centered approach — helping founders, nonprofits, and enterprise teams clarify their vision, define scope, and bring bold ideas to life through thoughtful design and high‑performing teams. His career spans software sales and design, B2B operations leadership, and a formative chapter at The Harry Fox Agency, where he developed a deep understanding of music publishing, licensing, and the business infrastructure that supports working musicians.
A lifelong amateur performer and devoted supporter of the arts, Steve is passionate about building a thriving music community for his daughter’s generation and for young musicians across Dane County. His personal connection to music fuels his commitment to MAMA’s mission: ensuring that every child who needs an instrument has access to one.
Beyond his professional work, Steve has consulted with dozens of Wisconsin nonprofits, helping organizations strengthen governance, clarify strategy, and build sustainable operational foundations. At MAMA, he plays a central role in board development, organizational restructuring, and forging the partnerships needed to support the organization’s rapid growth and expanding impact.
Steve lives in Madison, where he continues to invest his time, expertise, and heart into building a vibrant, equitable musical ecosystem for the next generation.