OPERA America has announced the departure of its chief programs officer.

In an e-blast the company announced that Laura Lee Everett had been appointed to the role of executive director of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). She will assume her new role starting on March 21, 2023.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at USITT,” said Everett in an official statement by USITT. “The chance to lead an organization that means so much to the industry is an opportunity that I do not embark on lightly. I believe that the prospects for USITT are unlimited.”

Everett joined OPERA America in 2012 and was one of the major proponents of the creation and opening of the National Opera Center in NYC. Among her major achievements with the organization was the creation of professional development programs for composers, librettists, singers, pianists, and leadership training. She produced all the programs and content for the bi-annual New Works Forum and also executive produced the “Opera America Songbook.” Another major achievement under her watch was the production of “Fierce Grace: Jeannette Rankin,” a commissioned song cycle about the first U.S. Congresswoman created by an all-woman team of composers and librettists. She also launched the Women’s Opera Network, was a major player in the creation of the Opera Grants for Women Composers programs, and inaugurated the Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera.

Additionally, she was managing director at Maryland Opera Studio and Aspen Opera Theater.