Opera Omaha has announced a new General Director.

The company said that Allison Swenson will succeed Roger Weitz as its nineteenth General Director in the company’s history. She will begin her role in mid-February after transitioning to Omaha.

Swenson has more than 20 years of experience in the field and has worked with the Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. She has served as the Director of Development at the Santa Fe Opera, the largest festival opera company in the United States, beginning as former General Director Charles MacKay’s assistant in 2010.

In a statement McKay said, “Allison is one of the brightest, most accomplished arts leaders of her generation. She has a broad range of experience with major US arts organizations. Having begun her opera career at an early age, Allison has a splendid track record as a fundraiser, manager, and artistic administrator, and she is dedicated to advancing the art form. Her new role with Opera Omaha promises to be tremendously beneficial both for the company and the field of opera.”

For her part Swenson said, “Opera Omaha is a jewel among American opera companies,” said Swenson. “I have long admired their spirit of creativity and impressive record of discovering emerging talent. The company flourished under the leadership of Roger Weitz, and I am honored to follow him in this role. I am grateful to the transition committee, board and staff for their confidence and for welcoming me so warmly, and I look forward to joining the vibrant arts community in Omaha.”