The Cincinnati Opera and Liz Kathman Grubow, president of the Cincinnati Opera’s board of trustees, have announced that Christopher Milligan has been named the next Harry Fath General Director & CEO of the company.

The company announced that Milligan’s tenure will begin on March 2, 2020.

Milligan is currently Managing Director of Cincinnati Opera and has been a respected arts administrator with more than 25 years of industry experience. He joined the company in 1997 and now as General Director & CEO, he will lead all aspects of the company’s operations, including  artistic and production management, financial management, fundraising, marketing, education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Milligan will succeed Patricia K. Beggs, who previously announced her retirement after 35 years with the company. Upon Milligan’s appointment in March 2020, Beggs will transition to the role of General Director Emerita and will continue with the company through the finale of its 2020 season.

In a press release Milligan said, “I have spent much of my career with Cincinnati Opera, committed to advancing an art form I believe makes our community more humane, connected, and creative. Even today, I am just as excited about this storied cultural institution’s potential as when I started with the company in 1997. I am grateful to Liz Grubow, the search committee, and the entire Cincinnati Opera board, to my colleagues on the staff, and especially to Patty Beggs, my boss and mentor for the past twenty-two years. It’s an honor and privilege to succeed her. I will strive to be a champion for opera that is soul-stirring, adventurous, ennobling, and accessible. Our company and our community deserve nothing less.”