Opera Philadelphia has announced the appointment of Gina Range as Vice President of Development.

The company said that Range was chosen to lead the company’s fundraising team and join the organization’s senior management following a nationwide search. She currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh and will begin her new role at Opera Philadelphia on February 1, 2023.

In response to her new position, Range said, “I am honored to join Opera Philadelphia at this exciting time in the company’s history. As a lifelong lover of opera, I hold a special place in my heart for Opera Philadelphia for being one of the best opera companies in the country that just happens to exist right in the heart of my favorite city, Philadelphia. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the company as a prominent arts organization in the city. I also look forward to supporting the company’s strategic goals, which include becoming a leading champion of the City of Philadelphia on a local and national scale, expanding funding sources, and diversifying audiences to mirror the city and community in which it resides. Being a person of color myself, that last part is most important. I want to make sure everyone in Philadelphia – a city rich in diversity – knows that there is a seat awaiting them at the Academy of Music.”

Meanwhile, David B. Devan, General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia, said, “Gina Range has a distinguished record of accomplishment over more than two decades of experience as a fundraiser. She has a passion for opera and for the city of Philadelphia, and a deep commitment to building strategic alliances and partnerships in our community. At Opera Philadelphia, she will bring the leadership skills, technical expertise, and passion needed to lead a talented Development team that is committed to our mission of developing opera for the 21st century. We are very pleased to welcome Gina to the Opera Philadelphia family.”

Range is a native of Philadelphia and previously served as Vice President of External Relations and Development with the African American Museum in Philadelphia. She also served as Vice President of Development Services at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania and has also held leadership roles at the Philadelphia Theatre Company.