Opera Santa Barbara has announced that two board members will be stepping down.

The company said that Mary Tonetti Dorra is retiring after six years, and Joan Rutkowski is taking a year off due to board term limits.

Dorra, originally elected to the board in 2016, is also an author and former University of California instructor who has supported numerous area cultural organizations over several decades including Santa Barbara Museum of Art, The Music Academy, the Santa Barbara Symphony, and the Ensemble Theatre Company.

Meanwhile, Rutkowski recently completed her third term as Board Chair of Opera Santa Barbara in 2022. She has been on the board since 2008 and spent seven years as Artistic Administrator.

In an official press statement, current Board Chair Nicholas Burlett said of Dorra, “Mary’s unwavering support and advice in my initial days on the board were invaluable. Her genuine passion for opera and her steady hand on the board will be greatly missed.”

Regarding Rutkowski, he added, “Joan’s profound commitment to Opera Santa Barbara has truly been a source of inspiration. I deeply appreciate the guidance she has provided me over these past few years. We hope to welcome her back in the future.”