Media Release: May 5, 2011
Contact: Ashley Tongret, Communications Manager
(513) 768-5526 or atongret@cincinnatiopera.org

Cincinnati Opera Announces Appointment of Donald E. Hoffman as Director of Planned Giving

CINCINNATI—Patricia K. Beggs, General Director and CEO of Cincinnati Opera, is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald E. Hoffman as Director of Planned Giving for the company. A seasoned nonprofit administrator who most recently led The Health Foundation of Cincinnati, Hoffman will play a key role in strategically directing Cincinnati Opera’s planned giving program and recruiting members to the Society of Angels. The Society, established in 1992, recognizes donors who have strengthened Cincinnati Opera’s future through bequests and other planned giving vehicles.

“It’s a new position, created specifically for Don, that combines his gift for connecting with people and his passion for the Opera. He wouldn’t accept more than one dollar a year in compensation—already, several board members have offered to sponsor his first year,” Beggs said, smiling. “But all kidding aside, Don is priceless. He will be a huge asset to our development team.”

“Don Hoffman knows opera, knows fundraising, and knows Cincinnati. An excellent choice!” said Kingston Fletcher, former Cincinnati Opera president, founder of the Society of Angels, and current co-chair of the Opera’s planned giving committee.

A longtime fan and supporter of Cincinnati Opera, Hoffman joined the board of trustees in 1989. He served as President from 1995 to 1999 and as Chairman from 1999 to 2002. Since then, he has been an invaluable senior advisor to the company. His significant contributions through the years have helped shape the Opera into the internationally-recognized company it is today. Hoffman led the creation of Cincinnati Opera’s first long-range plan in the early 1990s, resulting in the doubling of the company’s budget and a considerable expansion of artistic programming.

Through Hoffman’s visionary leadership, the Opera transformed from a respected regional company to one with an international reputation for excellence and innovation through the production of new and groundbreaking works. He also spearheaded the company-wide inclusion and diversity initiatives which have become a part of the Opera’s philosophy and core identity. This has found expression not only through the commissioning of new works such as the blockbuster mainstage opera Margaret Garner (2005) and the family operas Rise for Freedom (2007) and This Little Light of Mine (2007), but in every aspect of the company’s decision-making, from the diversity of its board to casting decisions.

Hoffman retired from The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati in January 2011 after serving as its president since 1997. Previously, he rose through the ranks of Cincinnati Bell during a successful career that spanned from 1960 to 1995.

“This is the second time Don has ‘failed’ at retirement,” said Beggs. “We could not be more pleased that he has offered to devote his time and his prodigious talents to the Opera.”

For more information on Cincinnati Opera’s Society of Angels, please visit www.cincinnatiopera.org.

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