Opera Columbus announced the promotion of two staff members into new arts administration roles and welcomed a new member to the team.

Rachel Will (she/her), who served as Creative Programs Director and the Cooper-Bing Competition Associate Producer, will move into the role of Director of Advancement. She will manage and optimize Opera Columbus’ organizational development processes and will continue in her role with the Cooper-Bing Competition.

Alex Lynch (they/them), the 2022-2023 season’s administrative intern and titles designer, will now take on the role of Operations Associate for Opera Columbus. Lynch will directly support General Director and CEO Julia Noulin-Mérat and assist with production and artistic administration.

New to the Opera Columbus administrative suite is Dr. Dione Bennett (she/her). Dr. Bennett will step into the Creative Programs Manager role. In this position, she will take oversee Opera Columbus’ education programs in addition to assisting with production administration. Dr. Bennett was seen on the Opera Columbus stage in last season’s production of Vanqui.

Noulin-Mérat said in a press release, “We are committed to recognizing and nurturing talent of all kinds. Opera Columbus is known for supporting artists onstage and off with the Cooper-Bing Competition, and now the Crane Directing Fellowship. But, we know that great opera also needs great administrators. I’m so proud that Rachel and Alex have grown with us, and excited to create these new roles for them. Dione will be a fantastic addition to this team, and we’re confident she will do wonders with our Education & Impact programs.”