Stephanie Helms Named New Executive Director of Opera in the Heights

Opera in the Heights (Oh!), the acclaimed regional performing arts company in the Houston Heights, has named Stephanie Helms as its new executive director. Helms has an impressive track record in arts administration and development, coming to Oh! from OPERA America in New York City, where she served as director of the National Opera Center since 2011.

A native Houstonian, Helms previously worked for Houston Grand Opera (HGO) starting in 2006 as coordinator of development operations. In 2007, she was promoted to liaison to the general director and music director/special projects manager, a position she held until 2011.

"Opera in the Heights is thrilled to have someone of Stephanie Helms's stature who brings energy and vision to the role of executive director," says David Douglas, chair of the board of directors for Opera in the Heights. "Her skill in administration, her ability to work with artists and her talent in fundraising will be invaluable to the future success of our company. It's an exciting time for Oh! with Stephanie's arrival from OPERA America, where she oversaw the design and construction of the National Opera Center, along with several other roles."

In addition to OPERA America and HGO, Stephanie has also worked for Memorial Hermann Foundation and the University of Houston Law Center in development capacities. Born and raised in Houston, Helms is passionate about opera and the performing arts.

"I am very excited for Opera in the Heights," says Marc Scorca, CEO of OPERA America. "Stephanie has tremendous experience from Houston Grand Opera and OPERA America. She is a skilled leader with a wonderful network across the field that will benefit the opera company. The announcement of her appointment as executive director points to a bright future for Opera in the Heights and its audience."

Opera in the Heights, a professional regional performing arts company, provides a stage for emerging performers and brings affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are fully staged with orchestra and presented in the original language with English surtitles projected above the stage.