Pittsburgh Opera has announced Michael Braxton as the new Director of Development.

The company announced that the veteran fund-raiser will take over the position on August 13, 2018 for the start of the new season. In a press statement, Braxton noted, “I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. Pittsburgh Opera is one of Pittsburgh’s cultural gems and recognized nationally for its programming. I look forward to enhancing the Opera’s philanthropic efforts so that they can continue to flourish.”

“This season is our 80th”, said Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn. “More than ever, philanthropy plays a crucial role in our ability to fulfill our mission of creating live opera at the highest standards of artistic excellence and ensuring opera is accessible to everyone in the region. We are thrilled to invite Michael to join our team.”

Braxton is a former attorney with Reed Smith and other firms and spent over 14 years in increasingly senior positions within Carnegie Mellon University’s University Advancement department. He was also their Senior Director of Development, where he managed fundraising staff for three strategic academic initiatives across the university and was also responsible for cultivating philanthropic relationships with major donors who support these areas.

Braxton holds an A.B in economics from Princeton University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.