K. James McDowell, President and Artistic Director of the Academy fo Vocal Arts, has announced that Scott Guzielek has been appointed the Vice President and General Manager of the institution, effective July 1, 2019.

The newly created role will have Guzielek responsible for the overall administrative management of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) and will collaborate with President and Artistic Director McDowell and AVA’s Board of Directors in order to create and execute a vision for AVA’s continued success.

Guzielek will also be in charge of fostering deeper and new relationships with the community, donors, Board members, and partner organizations throughout greater Philadelphia.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I will join the leadership team of AVA in this newly- created role as Vice President and General Manager,” Guzielek said in a press release. “The training that AVA provides in nurturing and creating the next generation of exciting artists is a crucial part of the operatic landscape and one that I have admired throughout my career. I look forward to embarking on this exciting new opportunity to ensure that AVA continues to be an indispensable part of Philadelphia’s rich cultural offerings and institutions.”

Prior to his appointment, Guzielek served as Director of Artistic Operations at Palm Beach Opera where he oversaw a budget of $2.5M annually and managed more than 200 artists, chorus, musicians, seasonal and professional staff during the Company’s season.

He also saw the expansion of these training programs from eight to eighteen singers. He has also worked as Artistic Administrator at Washington National Opera (DC).

Guzielek has also been selected by OPERA America to be a member of the OPERA America Leadership Intensive cohort and is currently Co-Chair of the Artistic Administration Network of OPERA America.