Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) has selected David Tompkins as Chief Operating Officer (COO), following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on May 2, 2022.
An experienced arts executive, administrator, and fundraising professional, Tompkins joins BLO from Woodman Museum where he had been serving as Executive Director since 2018. While there, he oversaw all strategic fundraising campaigns, produced an uninterrupted schedule of concerts and speaker engagements, and, in 2020, launched a new, socially distant outdoor series, complete with COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Tompkins led the expansion of the organization’s social media reach, driving increases of over 20 percent in annual membership and 200 percent in major gifts
Prior to his time at Woodman, Tompkins served as Interim Executive Director of Portland Ballet, Executive Director of Ballet Arizona, Production Stage Manager for Sundance Film Festival, and as General Manager and COO for Boston Ballet. He holds a bachelor of science degree in technical theatre – stage management and a masters of arts degree in directing from Kansas State University.
In making the announcement, BLO Artistic Director Bradley Vernatter said, “I am happy to welcome Dave to BLO. His incredible resume complements the company’s leadership team, and his extensive experience in nonprofit arts operations makes him the ideal person to plan for and manage the day-to-day activities that support BLO’s ambitious artistic goals.”
“Congratulations to the search committee, board, and staff of Boston Lyric Opera on the appointment of Tompkins,” said ACG Senior Vice President Wyona Lynch-McWhite. “With his commitment to operational excellence and partner relationships, as well as his ability to recognize, respect, and promote diversity and inclusion in all its forms, we are excited to see the great things BLO will do with Tompkins as a member of the senior leadership team.”
July 2022