The Washington National Opera has unanimously elected Andy Pharoah as the Board of Trustees’ next President.

Pharoah has served on the Board for more than seven years, having joined the WNO Board of Trustees in October 2016 and the Executive Committee of the Board in May 2017.

Pharoah has chaired the Marketing and Audience Building Committee during his tenure. He will succeed former President Jeffrey P. Cunard and currently serves with Chairman Eric Jon Larsen, newly-elected Secretary Edward J. Asher, Treasurer Billy Cox, and Opera Ambassador Anne Kline Pohanka.

In a statement, Paraoah said, “After serving on the Board for more than seven years, it’s an absolute honor to be elected as President of Washington National Opera. As one of the leading opera companies in the United States, WNO contributes so much to our home city and country in advancing an art form that unites across communities, cultures, and countries.  The mission of the WNO—to inspire, connect and enrich our community while shaping the future of opera—has never been more relevant.  I look forward to working with the WNO’s first-rate team and my fellow trustees.”

Paraoah joined Mars in 2008 and has been a member of the Mars Leadership Team since 2016. He has also served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & Strategy for Wrigley, a segment of Mars, Incorporated.