Opera Colorado Names Martha Crawley Tracey as New Chair of Board of Directors

Opera Colorado has named Martha Crawley Tracey as Chair of its Board of Directors, signaling a bold new chapter for the company. Tracey succeeds Richard Koseff, who becomes Chair Emeritus following a successful three-year term. Tracey's three-year term runs through June 2029 and will steer the company's next phase of community-centered growth.

Opera Colorado is dynamically evolving its mission to ensure that world-class opera directly reflects, serves, and inspires the diverse communities of modern Colorado. Working alongside her fellow board members, Tracey will focus on dismantling traditional barriers to the arts—engaging new patrons, deepening civic roots, and activating passionate ambassadors to advocate for the life-changing power of operatic storytelling across the state.

"Martha deeply understands our community, and her commitment to this organization and the people we serve is extraordinary,” said Barbara Lynne Jamison, the Ellie Caulkins General Director & CEO of Opera Colorado. “I am incredibly grateful to Richard Koseff for his leadership and look forward to partnering with Martha to make opera accessible, relevant, and vital to our community."

Tracey brings a formidable portfolio of corporate, venture capital, and philanthropic leadership to the position. Currently the Vice President of Crawley Ventures and a veteran investor in Colorado's venture capital sector since 1995, Tracey's extensive governance background includes board service for Crawley Petroleum Corporation, the Crawley Family Foundation, the Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association.

For nearly three decades, she has been deeply connected to Opera Colorado as an avid subscriber, donor, and active board member since 1997. Throughout her tenure, Tracey has shaped the company's trajectory from the inside, serving as Treasurer, Chair of the Nominating Committee, and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. After joining the Honorary Board in 2017, she most recently chaired the committee that successfully secured Jamison as Artistic Director and CEO last August.

"Opera Colorado has been a cornerstone of my life for decades, and it is a profound honor to serve as Board Chair," said Tracey. "I am grateful to Richard for his conscientious stewardship of Opera Colorado, and I am eager to collaborate with Barbara, our board, and our brilliant staff and artists. Together, we will expand the reach of our storytelling, cultivate new audiences, and champion the long-term vitality of this art form."

Outgoing Chair Richard Koseff leaves a powerful legacy. During his term, Koseff successfully steered the organization through post-pandemic recovery, stabilizing its operational bedrock, and securing crucial community funding. Most notably, Koseff mobilized the board and the broader Colorado cultural community to put on one of Opera Colorado's most successful galas in company history, which celebrated the milestone 20th anniversary of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in February of this year.

"Serving as Board Chair has been a privilege," said Koseff. "I am incredibly proud of how our staff, artists, and supporters have united to keep opera thriving. Martha is a visionary, dedicated leader. I warmly welcome her to this role and look forward to supporting her as she guides Opera Colorado's next great leap into the future."

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment in Opera Colorado's ongoing evolution. The company is actively aligning its resources and operations to build a sustainable, modern arts infrastructure. As part of this strategic effort, Sara Leitch has been appointed Chief Advancement Officer and Dennis Robinson, Jr. has been named Chief Producing Officer.

Together, these changes enable Opera Colorado to deepen connections with existing audiences and expand its artistic, educational, and community engagement programs to ensure the arts remain a core, sustainable pillar of the region.

Need more Opera Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...