Since May, Opera Grand Rapids has continued to gain momentum in the transition and expansion of our Leadership and Governing teams. Long-time patron and Opera Grand Rapids Board of Trustees member, Win S. Irwin, has generously stepped down from his position on the Board to become the Opera’s full time Interim Executive Director. Win will serve in this crucial capacity during the Executive Search Committee’s National search for a new leader for the organization. Win is working to prepare the organization for the its up-coming 2018-19 Season and solidify major systems, plans, and processes.
The Executive Search Committee for Opera Grand Rapids’ new Executive Director was formed in June 2018 and has been meeting regularly to discuss the steps and progress of the on-going national search. The committee is made-up of local community leaders, major OGR supporters and investors, and other associated parties. The Search Committee’s aim is to begin interviewing candidates over the next 60 days with the goal to appoint the new Executive Director by October/November 2018.
Over the past 6 months, the Opera Grand Rapids Board of Trustees has gained 4 new, outstanding members: Mr. Peter Hahn – CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health; Cassandra Hayes – Executive Communications and Corporate Affairs of Amway; Madelaine Lane – Partner at Warner, Norcross, & Judd; Thomas Bandyk – Community Volunteer. We are thrilled to have each of these valued community members join our Governing team and we look forward to the progressive and exciting work we will accomplish together for opera here in West Michigan.
As each of our Leadership teams expands and advances, Opera Grand Rapids will continue to work towards its founding mission to provide high quality live opera to the West Michigan community.