Georgi Kelly Named San Francisco Opera’s Chief Philanthropy Officer

Photo credit: Greg Habiby

San Francisco Opera announces Georgi Kelly as its new Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Starting on Oct. 2, Kelly will work closely with General Director Matthew Shilvock and San Francisco Opera’s Board of Directors. Together they will development and implement the fundraising goals and strategies for San Francisco Opera’s second century. Kelly will be the senior leader dedicated to contributed revenue and acting as a member of the general director’s leadership team. She will provide guidance to the development department, all while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, and supporting the company’s artistic growth.

Kelly joins San Francisco Opera from KQED, the NPR and PBS member station based in San Francisco. Here she currently serves as Vice President for Development. 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. Prior to KQED, Kelly worked closely in the Bay Area philanthropic community holding positions with the San Francisco Boys & Girls Clubs, San Francisco Education Fund and Raphael House Shelter.

“I am thrilled to welcome Georgi to San Francisco Opera,” said Shilvock in a press release. “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.”