By Sebastian Spreng, Visual Artist and Classical Music Writer As in an opera, the curtain has risen and the mystery has been revealed: the Florida Grand Opera has a new CEO. After a months-long worldwide search and lengthy deliberations, the company announced Susan T. Danis, currently executive director of the Sarasota Opera, as its new general director.

Florida Grand Opera’s new general director Susan Danis

On Oct. 9, Danis will take over the job Robert Heuer left in May, after more than a quarter century at the head of the FGO, a 72-year-old company that has risen to the top of its field in the Southeastern United States. It’s an interesting succession that entails enormous responsiblitiy at a critical time for the arts in America and the world. The FGO’s search committee selected Danis from a pool of nearly 50 candidates, concluding a suspenseful wait that  portends a promising future.

Danis and the Sarasota Opera’s 30-year artistic director Victor DeRenzi have been credited with the organization’s artistic and financial success. Danis is largely responsible for the Sarasota Opera’s development over the past 14 years. She grew the budget from $3 million to $8 million, spearheaded a $20 million renovation of the company’s 1926 opera house and adopted an unusual repertoire that has sparked considerable interest at home and abroad. Among the Sarasota Opera’s many achievements are its Verdi Cycle, a staging of  all of the composer’s operas, and its American Classics Series.

Her distinguished résumé includes eight years as managing director of the Lake George Opera Festival, a six-year term on the Board of trustees of OPERA America, an MBA from the University of Hartford’s Paris program and work at the Young Adult Institute of the New York City Opera.

As CEO, Danis will work with Musical Director maestro Ramón Tebar, the FGO staff and board of directors to execute the 2012-2013 season and plan for the 2013-2014 season and beyond. The arts community is hoping Danis’ vision and energy will help achieve the financial success, repertoire expansion and audience growth that the FGO requires to retain its prominent position in South Florida’s arts landscape.