Gae Whitener Named Dallas Opera Director of Development

The Dallas Opera today announced important promotions within the Department of Development: Gae Whitener has been appointed to serve as the company's new Director of Development, effective immediately, after fulfilling those responsibilities in an interim capacity for the past year; while Eva James Toia has assumed the role of Associate Director of Development previously held by Ms. Whitener.

With a strong background in communications and marketing, Gae Whitener joined the Dallas Opera in 2004 as Grants Manager and Corporate Associate. In the years since, her energies moved beyond grant writing to handle special projects including OPERAtion HQ, the campaign to construct TDO's administrative offices in the Winspear Opera House, as well as the three-year, $20 million Cultural Renaissance Endowment Fund initiative.

During her term as Interim Director, Ms. Whitener successfully managed the $8 million General Director's Circle campaign for multi-year gifts.

"Gae consistently exhibits the outstanding qualities you look for in a leader," explains Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. "She is someone who clearly understands TDO's artistic and financial strategy and can translate that understanding into tangible initiatives; a careful listener who provides thoughtful strategic input and operational planning; a genuine team builder who has earned the respect of her colleagues and her Development team; and an executive who has earned the respect and admiration of the patrons and donors who are vital to this company's future success.

"In over seven years with the company, Gae has demonstrated real passion for the operatic art form and in-depth knowledge of Dallas Opera operations," adds Mr. Cerny, "and she is adept at conveying that knowledge and enthusiasm in a manner that translates into successful 21st century fund-raising. Her hands-on involvement in several major campaigns this season proved crucial, and I am delighted she has agreed to accept the position of development director on a more permanent basis."

Since joining the Dallas Opera in 2010, General Director and CEO Keith Cerny has embarked on a major restructuring plan to preserve and increase the company's artistic reputation, while at the same time, making extraordinarily deep cuts in its operating budget. The company is expected to achieve a balanced budget during the 2014-15 Season-without any diminishment of artistic excellence or our commitment to new collaborations and thrilling new works.
During the past season, the Dallas Opera launched a new chamber opera series with a critically acclaimed new production of Peter Maxwell Davies' The Lighthouse (1980) and announced that the company has commissioned two upcoming world premieres: Everest, a one-act opera about an ill-fated 1996 expedition by British Composer Joby Talbot and American librettist Gene Scheer; and Great Scott, a new opera by American composer Jake Heggie and librettist Terrence McNally.

In addition to the appointment of Gae Whitener, Eva Toia has been tapped for the supporting role of Associate Director of Development for the Dallas Opera. Ms. Toia recently joined the company in the wake of a successful stint for the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, and, most recently, as Director of Development for the Dallas Wind Symphony. Ms. Toia will focus her energies on major gifts and government and foundation relations, as well as assisting Ms. Whitener in the day-to-day operations of the department.

"I couldn't be more delighted to have Eva on our team," says Development Director Gae Whitener. "Her development expertise and arts background, combined with her personal charm, make her a compelling fundraiser. I value her input and look forward to working with her closely on all facets of the department."

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