Tulsa Opera Welcomes Sandra Willmann as New Director of Development

Tulsa Opera, Oklahoma's oldest performing arts organization, announces Sandra Willmann as its new Director of Development. As a young person, she dreamed of becoming a singer. Recognizing her talents and strengths lie elsewhere, she followed a career path in fundraising and development that's led her back to her first love.

"I am delighted to have Sandy join the Tulsa Opera team," says Tulsa Opera General Director Greg Weber. "She exudes all of the great things about Tulsa, and brings to us two decades of success built upon planning and stewardship. She brings to the opera an excitement and community connection certain to catapult the organization forward."

In her most recent role as Director of Institutional Advancement for Monte Cassino School in Tulsa, Willmann coordinated and planned direct solicitations, events, scholarships and other programs to raise funds for Monte Cassino, including two large fundraising events. She also provides consulting services to nonprofit organizations in the areas of fundraising, board development and event planning.

"While I won't be singing − which many should be thankful to know − I will be involved in promoting a wonderful art that provides a gift to many audiences," Willmann says. "I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the opera family and am looking forward to continuing to build on a strong foundation."

Ranked among the top 10 regional opera companies in the United States by Opera News magazine, Tulsa Opera draws its audience from a five-state region, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. As one of the nation's oldest and most veteran regional opera companies, Tulsa Opera strives to enrich the region with professional opera and innovative education and outreach programs that reach tens of thousands of children across multiple states.

As a mother, Willmann believes in Tulsa Opera's efforts to engage a young audience with exciting opportunities that foster a lifelong love of opera. "I think it is important to offer programming that's attractive to a younger audience," she says. "We will continue to work to involve more young people to help us engage their peers."

Willmann grew up in Wagoner, Oklahoma, a small city just southeast of Tulsa. She's lived in Tulsa for many years, and says she loves traveling, attending sporting events and music. "I love opera," Willmann says. She worked for 17 years at The University of Tulsa, most recently as Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, where she served as a key resource to the Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the university president and other senior university officers. She worked with the board of directors to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that serves as a programming guide for eight chartered alumni chapters and clubs, as well as for alumni across the U.S.

Willmann says she'll evaluate Tulsa Opera's current fundraising efforts and campaigns, and work to increase community engagement. Please help Tulsa Opera welcome Willmann to the opera family by introducing yourself and pledging your support the next time you're at the opera. Willmann, Weber and the rest of the opera clan look forward to meeting you!

At Tulsa Opera's upcoming production of The Snow Queen, June 17 and 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Willmann and opera fans young and old will experience firsthand the joy of young people performing on a professional stage. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale that inspired the Disney hit movie Frozen, this opera − featuring the Tulsa Youth Opera − delivers a message of love, devotion, and insecurities that young people face while growing up.

Ticket prices are $12 for children and $20 for adults. For additional information, visit www.tulsaopera.com or call 918-587-4811.