The Atlanta Opera has hired Paul Harkins as its Chief Advanced Officer and Jonathan Blalock as Individual Giving Officer.

Harkens worked previously as the Chief Development and External Relationships Officer at The Univeristy of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. In his new position, he will be charged with supervising the development and marketing teams.

Blalock previously worked at Opera Saratoga as the Development and Patron Services Manager. His new position will task him with focusing on high-level individual donors and gifts. Additionally, he is a published author and working tenor who performed in The Atlanta Opera’s production of “The Secret Gardener” in 2017.

“We are excited to add Paul and Jonathan to our team at The Atlanta Opera. Paul brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our rapidly growing company. He will have a key role in creating the strategy for all contributed and earned revenue,” said Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, in a press release.