Florida Grand Opera Makes Additions To Staff

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) is pleased to announce the addition three new staff members to its team: Kal Gajraj, Anne Martinez and Tom Patane. Gajraj will serve as FGO's new Director of Marketing, Martinez will join as Executive Assistant to the General Director and CEO and Patane will become the Investor Services Director.

"Kal, Anne and Tom all bring unique perspectives to FGO, as well as highly coveted skills, dedication and experience," said Susan T. Danis, General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera. "We are excited to welcome them to the team as we begin our 2016-2017 season."

Kal Gajraj has joined Florida Grand Opera as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. He will develop innovative marketing strategies as well as oversee advertising, communications and PR initiatives. Kal will also develop FGO's brand strategy, and act as a key advisor responsible for the execution of the CEO's special initiatives. Kal most recently served as Director of Marketing with Charter School USA.

Kal's experience spans the nation with deep roots in marketing in a variety of industries such as education, retail, sports and entertainment. In addition to his work in the United States, he has worked in Canada and throughout the Caribbean developing marketing campaigns. Prior to his time at Charter Schools USA, he served in a variety of marketing roles with DeVry Education Group, Birks & Mayors Jewelers, Florida Panthers NHL Team and as a corporate sponsorship consultant for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and London 2012 Summer Olympics.

He earned his Master of Business Administration in marketing and Master of Public Administration in non-profit administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Miami, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in international business from DeVry University and is also certified in Six Sigma from Florida International University in Doral, FL.

"We are very excited to have Mr. Gajraj join our team," Danis said. "His background in marketing, along with his extensive experience with branding will help us accelerate our growth trajectory. As the oldest performing arts organization in Florida, FGO is ready to have a person of Mr. Gajraj's caliber helping us navigate into new strategies for the upcoming season and beyond."

Anne Martinez comes to Florida Grand Opera from the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida's Miami office, where she maintained a reputation of high-level work ablity and professionalism. She boasts over 15 years of experience providing efficient administrative support to Executives and Senior Management. With a proven track record in meeting deadlines efficiently, resolving problems independently, and using initiative to improve organizational processes, Martinez will be working closely with General Director and CEO Susan T. Danis to meet organizational objectives.

Tom Patane brings marketing, upscale customer service and international sales experience to his new position in FGO's advancement department working in Investor Services. He has previously worked with Florida Grand Opera as a Volunteer.

Prior to his work with Florida Grand Opera, he held a variety of sales management posts throughout his career with upscale flagship stores, managing the finest brands in New York City, Moscow, and San Francisco. He sees customer service as his top priority.

"After my experience volunteering with FGO, I discovered that philanthropists were the most wonderful people I ever met. That motivated me to move from the private sector," Patane stated. "I want investors to know that I am excited to serve them in my new role with the company."

To post a comment, you must register and login.