San Francisco Opera Reveals Georgi Kelly as Chief Philanthropy Officer

Matthew Shilvock, Tad and Dianne Taube General Director of San Francisco Opera, have announced the appointment of Georgi Kelly as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Kelly joins San Francisco Opera from KQED, the NPR and PBS member station based in San Francisco—one of the most listened-to public radio stations and highest-rated public television services in the nation—where she currently serves as Vice President for Development.

“I am thrilled to welcome Georgi to San Francisco Opera,” said Shilvock. “She will be a critical partner as we embark upon the second century of the Company, building upon the incredible tradition of philanthropic support that is so vital to our existence. I’ve been so inspired getting to know Georgi and have so much admiration for the deep impact she’s had on this community through her work at one of the finest public media companies in America, KQED. She is a superlative fundraiser, passionate about connecting philanthropists with exciting projects that make a difference in the world, and I know she will bring a wonderful spirit of curiosity, partnership and possibility to the Opera.” 

Georgi Kelly will join the Company on October 2. As Chief Philanthropy Officer, reporting to Matthew Shilvock, Kelly will work closely with Shilvock and San Francisco Opera’s Board of Directors on the development and implementation of fundraising goals and strategies for San Francisco Opera’s second century. Serving as the senior leader dedicated to contributed revenue and acting as a member of the general director's leadership team, Kelly will provide strategic leadership to the Company’s Development department, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, and supporting the creation of transformative artistry and organizational advances in diversity, innovation and artistic growth.

Georgi Kelly said: “I am thrilled to be joining General Director Matthew Shilvock, Music Director Eun Sun Kim, and the incredible team at San Francisco Opera as it moves into its second century. I am so inspired by the talented members of the Company and its community of generous supporters! San Francisco Opera is one of the world’s premiere opera companies and has been a pillar of San Francisco’s vibrant arts ecosystem since its founding in 1923. I look forward to being part of this amazing organization.”

Michael Isip, President & Chief Executive Officer of KQED, said: “Georgi has served KQED for more than two decades, inspiring financial support of our mission and caring for our most loyal and generous donors. We’re thrilled that she’ll continue to enrich the cultural vitality of the Bay Area with a treasured institution like San Francisco Opera.”

Kelly joined KQED in 2001, progressing in management roles leading to her 2016 appointment as Vice President for Development. In this role, Kelly has been responsible for all development functions for the premier, regional, $105-million public media organization in Northern California, participating in organization-wide strategic management decisions related to identifying future potential funding for strategic objectives, including solicitation and cultivation of top-level individual and foundation donors and KQED board members. For KQED, Kelly led four departments (Major Gifts/Development Operations, Foundations and Government, Planned Giving/Endowment and Stewardship) and co-managed the Board’s Development Steering Committee. Kelly was also in charge of the organization’s $135M Campaign 21, successfully exceeding the organization’s fundraising goals for modernizing the organization’s headquarters and growing the KQED team. Prior to KQED, Kelly’s extensive experience in the Bay Area philanthropic community included positions with the San Francisco Boys & Girls Clubs, San Francisco Education Fund and Raphael House Shelter. In 2021, Kelly was presented with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter’s Hank Rosso Outstanding Fundraising Professional award. Kelly resides in San Francisco with her husband and son.

Photo Credit: Greg Habiby