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What is it that you do at DMMO?

Two days after I started, the marketing director left the organization. I’ve been, honestly, helping to fill in the marketing role because the operas are opening this weekend. So kind of interim-wise, I’ve been assisting with some of the marketing efforts, but my real job is development. My key role is going to be in expanding the corporate giving program for Des Moines Metro Opera. They raise over $2 million a year, and they do a phenomenal job, but, that’s just one piece that could use more work.

How did you hear about the job?

I had seen the announcement, but honestly, the managing director is Robert Montana, and Robert and I were both members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. We actually were co-chairs of an event called Philanthropy Day. We were co-chairs and I kind of knew about it and we talked about the position and the things he was looking for and the things more in my skill set. He loved working with donors on an individual basis, and I have lots of experience with corporate giving. I spent almost 20 years with the American Heart Association.

How is fund raising for the opera different from fund raising for the Heart Association?

When you work for a health organization, there’s that personal involvement. Someone in your family has died of heart disease or if you’re a health organization, obviously you really care about people being healthy, so there might be a marketing benefit, too. I think it’s a true love of the art and an understanding that the arts are so vital to our community. So it’s kind of the same in some ways, but it’s a little more heartfelt, too. I’ve been connecting with some of our donors, and it’s interesting hearing their stories of why they love to hear opera. I talked to one gentleman who is nearing his 90s in California and he learned to love opera in Laramie, Wyo., because he listened to the Met on the radio in the ’30s. I’ve heard that story more than once, that if they didn’t have the radio programs, they might not have ever learned anything about opera. It’s very interesting how everyone learns about it.

What do you hope to bring to the opera and accomplish?

I think what I hope to do is to create a structured corporate giving program that gives benefits to the organizations that support us. I’ve been doing a lot of research into what other corporate programs are in the country. The one I’m really impressed with that is so close to us is the Minnesota Opera, and they raise three quarters of a million dollars through corporate giving alone. And what’s interesting is they create a really unique donor experience for every organization that supports them involving opera in some way.

Do you think the Greater Des Moines business community is open to giving to things like the opera?

I think Des Moines is one of the most giving communities in the country and they totally understand the value of the arts. Especially with the Des Moines Arts Festival, and Bravo and so many things in the community, we really support more than I think many cities our size do.

Do you play music or sing?

I take piano lessons right now and have been for three years. I have no singing ability whatsoever, as anyone who has heard me sing would say. But I do enjoy piano. I do love music. And actually one of the first events we had, the Cabaret Night Live, where our apprentices performed, brought tears to my eyes. They are wonderful.

What is you favorite opera?

I don’t have one yet. I’m guessing that I will love “Susannah,” which is coming to the opera. We have three productions: one is “The Marriage of Figaro,” one is “Macbeth” and the other one is “Susannah,” and “Susannah” is supposed to have the most beautiful music.