The Florentine Opera Company has named Maggey Oplinger as its new general director and chief executive officer.
Oplinger has worked for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for three years as director of community partnerships and director of shared experiences.
She begins in her new role as the Florentine’s seventh general director on March 1.
“The Florentine has accomplished such great things: diversity on stage, highlighting modern American operas, nurturing young artists and audiences, and building an authentic relationship with the city of Milwaukee,” Oplinger said. “I’m excited about all of this potential, and have many ideas that respect the artistic integrity, history, and strengths of a company of this caliber, while innovating within the constant fiscal constraints so familiar in the arts.”
In her role with the MSO, she successfully grew volunteer engagement, increased profitability of fundraising events and curated many MSO appearances and events, according to a news release. She also served on a design team for the MSO’s Grand Theater renovation project.
Opplinger previously worked for Johnson Controls as an innovation catalyst and sales proposal team lead. She also spent nearly a decade of her career as an opera singer.
“Maggey is the perfect fit for the Florentine,” said Kathleen Wilson, board president. “She is a visionary leader with both opera and business experience, and she understands Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.”
Oplinger succeeds former general director William Florescu, whose resignation in May 2018 was prompted by “his violation of the Florentine Opera’s policies and prohibitions concerning sexual misconduct,” according to the organization.
