Portland Opera General Director to Retire
By David SalazarPortland Opera has announced that General Director Sue Dixon will retire on Dec. 31, 2025.
Dixon, who led the company for more than six years, will depart following Portland Opera’s 60th anniversary season. A national search for her successor is already underway.
“On behalf of the board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Sue for more than a decade of inspiring leadership and vision,” said Portland Opera board President, Kregg Arntson, per an official press release. “Her dedication has shaped who we are today – stronger, more resilient and ready to navigate the evolving arts and culture landscape in Oregon. We are profoundly thankful for all she has done to set us on an exciting path forward.”
Since joining Portland Opera in 2013, Dixon has raised more than $40 million in contributed revenue, secured a new artistic home, and led three major fundraising galas. Her tenure included the commissioning of new works, two world premieres, and a 62 percent increase in attendance for contemporary repertoire. She also led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, theater closures, and financial uncertainty, executing a five-year strategic plan, a cultural equity plan, a refreshed mission and rebrand, and major technology upgrades. Her efforts ensured the company’s stability while strengthening its commitment to innovation, artistic excellence, and equity.
“It has been a true privilege to serve alongside such extraordinary artists, staff, audiences, and supporters, and I am deeply grateful for the friendships and connections that have enriched this journey. Together, we have built something lasting and meaningful, and I will always remain a champion of the opera and an advocate for greater investment in the arts ecosystem. Having just celebrated our 60th anniversary season, the time feels right to step aside and make space for new leadership, new ideas, and new dreams,” concluded Dixon.
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