May 6, 2024 – After an extensive national search, Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) announces the appointment of a new Executive Director, Evelina Erickson, to its leadership team to plan for future growth and development. Did.
Prior to joining SVF, Evelina served as Executive Director of Development for the National Park Conservation Association, Director of Development for the National Environmental Education Association, and Director of Development for the Chesapeake Conservation Association. She is passionate about working with donors to invest in causes they care about. During her more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector, she has raised millions of dollars for organizations ranging from local to international. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She earned a bachelor's degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
The appointment marks an expansion of leadership within the organization, which will begin its 12th season this August. Evelina Erickson is joined by President and Co-Founders Cheryl Milnes and Maria Zubes, Artistic Director Jorge Parodi, Director of Education and Outreach Chad Csonka, and Vice President of Operations Lani Wynn. He will join the leadership team consisting of Mr. Ski.
Maria Zubes, who co-founded the festival with her husband, world-renowned opera baritone Cheryl Milnes, is looking forward to the evolution of the Savannah Voices Festival under a new executive director. The organization is counting on Sheryl and I, and the rest of the leadership team, to work together,” Maria Zubes said. She added, “This is a great time for the Savannah VOICE Festival to welcome Evelina as we look forward to our 12th season, which will run from August 8th to 18th, 2024.”
Evelina is excited to join Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) as Executive Director. She was introduced to the world of opera and classical vocal music while working as an usher at her university's performing arts center. Seeing her perform her opera “The Marriage of Figaro'' in person left a strong impression on her. During the 2023 VOICE Festival, she participated in SVF's production of Mozart's “Don Giovanni” and was amazed by the talent of singers that SVF attracts. She believes that everyone should have access to art.
Originally from Maryland, Evelina moved to Savannah three years ago with her husband and adorable terrier, Murphy. When she's not working to support important causes, she can be found working in the garden with her husband, reading a good book, or singing in the choir of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Savannah. Masu.
For more information about the Savannah VOICE Festival and to purchase tickets to its 12th season of opera productions, recitals, concerts, musical theater and songs, visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org.