Melissa Voigt has been named Director of Development of Sarasota Opera. Her promotion was recently announced by General Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi. Voigt first joined Sarasota Opera in 2000 as Individual Giving Officer and became Director of Development in 2002. During her tenure, she led the completion of the $20 million capital campaign that funded the renovation of the historic Sarasota Opera House. She left the company in 2009 to pursue other opportunities and returned in 2021 as Senior Development Officer. “It will be my sincere joy to serve the Sarasota Opera, supporters, and community in this role. Sarasota Opera has always felt like home to me, and it is a pleasure to support Richard Russell, Maestro DeRenzi, our Board of Trustees and my colleagues to elevate our programs and artistic excellence,” Voigt said. “For me, I love watching newcomers discover our world-renowned opera company,  dive into a newfound love of opera, and form lasting friendships with other patrons. To see folks then choose to invest philanthropically in the work we do – how fulfilling!” Russell is equally pleased with Voigt’s return. “I’m thrilled to have Melissa Voigt return as our Director of Development. She has a long history of success in fundraising with the company and the community and I know she will help us achieve even greater heights,” he said.