MARCH 24, 2026, VANCOUVER, B.C./ / Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – Vancouver Opera is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Scott as its new Director of Development, joining the company’s leadership team to direct the organization’s fundraising strategy as it continues to expand artistic programming and deepen community engagement.
In this role, Suzanne Scott will lead Vancouver Opera’s development initiatives, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, major gifts, and foundation support. Working closely with the executive team and board of directors, she will help strengthen the company’s philanthropic network and support the continued growth of opera in Vancouver and across the region.
Suzanne Scott brings more than a decade of fundraising experience across healthcare and higher education institutions in Vancouver and most recently in Singapore. She has served as Head of Development at the Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Assistant Dean, Development & Alumni Engagement at the Faculty of Education at UBC, and at St. Paul’s Foundation in Vancouver, where she was the Manager of the Surgery + Imaging portfolio.
“We are delighted to welcome Suzanne Scott to Vancouver Opera as we begin preparation for our 2026-2027 season,” said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “Her resume is filled with development expertise in a wide range of industries, and she brings an incredible wealth of knowledge to the organization. Her deep commitment to community leadership in the Arts and Healthcare in Vancouver will provide a valuable perspective to build the ongoing development of Vancouver Opera through our sponsorships, donations, and fundraising.”
Suzanne has served on the Britannia Community Centre Board, the Vancouver Academy of Music Board, and has just joined the Word Vancouver Board. As a classically trained soprano, she studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and has sung in the chorus of Opera in Concert and the Choirs of St Mary Magdalene. With a PhD in Education from UBC, where she examined the impact of private philanthropy in academic museums, Suzanne Scott is passionate about connecting with Vancouver Opera donors to support the future of arts, culture, and well-being in our city.
“I recognize the importance of supporting the arts community in our beautiful city,” said Suzanne Scott, Vancouver Opera Director of Development. “I am delighted to merge two worlds I am deeply passionate about: the Arts and philanthropy and I’m inspired by our Vancouver Opera donors who support artistic excellence in Vancouver.”
As Vancouver Opera continues to build on its long history of artistic excellence, and the blockbuster 2025-2026 Vancouver Opera season gets set to close with a sublime La Bohème (April 25–May 3 at the QET), philanthropy remains central to sustaining large-scale productions, supporting artists, and expanding programming. As Director of Development, Suzanne Scott will play a key role in cultivating new partnerships and deepening relationships with the supporters who help make this work possible.
To learn more about supporting Vancouver Opera, go to vancouveropera.ca/support/ or contact Suzanne directly at [email protected]
