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David Devan -- Executive Director
David B. Devan arrived at the Opera Company of Philadelphia in January 2006 following an extensive North American search spearheaded by Artistic Director Robert B. Driver to identify a managing director to oversee all income-generating departments as well as board development and community programs. In March 2009, the Opera Company Board of Directors unanimously supported his appointment as Executive Director.
Since his arrival, Mr. Devan has worked closely with board and administration on strategic planning initiatives and building partnerships within the community. Key achievements born out of these initiatives have included the first cycle of the education department’s Hip H’Opera collaboration with Arts Sanctuary’s after-school program; the successful partnership between the Opera Company, Curtis Institute of Music and Kimmel Center Presents to produce a fully-staged opera each season at the Perelman Theater with joint marketing strength; OCP’s selection for a Wallace Foundation Excellence Award to support marketing programs; and a $5 million fundraising campaign supporting the company’s artistic goals, of which $4.1M has been raised in a most difficult economic climate.
Mr. Devan came to Philadelphia from Pacific Opera Victoria, where he held the position of Executive Director from 1997 through 2005. During his tenure at Pacific Opera Victoria the company's budget increased by 150%. His accomplishments include maintaining accumulated surpluses and increasing the company's annual giving more than threefold; establishing a successful endowment campaign strategy; and achieving strong subscription sales while pursuing an artistically-innovating program.
Prior to his work with Pacific Opera Victoria, Mr. Devan spent four years as the Director of Marketing and Development for Opera Ontario; worked as the Performing Arts Marketing Head for the Harbourfront Centre; and served for three seasons as Marketing Director for the Canadian Opera Company. He has served on the Board of Directors for Opera America and as Chairman of the Board for Opera CA (Canada), the national associations for opera companies. He has also previously held leadership positions with the Pro Art Alliance of Greater Victoria, and Arts Action BC, two groups focused on advocacy and government funding for the arts. A native of Canada, Mr. Devan attended Brock University in Ontario and Stanford's University's Graduate School of Business Executive Program.
An active member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and for Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts, Mr. Devan shares, "Since my arrival in Philadelphia, I have felt privileged to serve an arts institution with such a strong, vibrant constituency, in a city with rich and diverse cultural roots. We look forward to our continued success in maintaining opera as an important part of our community.”
