Sarasota Opera Appoints PJ Albert as Its New Managing Director

Sarasota Opera has appointed PJ Albert as Managing Director, a newly defined position overseeing finance and theater operations. Albert will act as a key partner to General & Artistic Director Richard Russell and serve on the executive team. He began work on Sept. 28, 2026.

Albert arrives with more than 25 years of experience in commercial and non-profit arts and entertainment management. He comes most recently from the Capitol Civic Centre in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he served as Executive Director.

His earlier career spans a string of leadership posts: Managing Director, General Manager, Director of Finance, and Director of Guest Services. His organizational credits include Orlando Shakes, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Santa Fe Opera, and RSL Theatrical. He has also worked in event management, technical design, and corporate production.

In his new role, according to the company, Albert will provide financial, operational, and organizational leadership at what Sarasota Opera calls a pivotal moment in its evolution.

Albert addressed the appointment in a statement. "I am honored to step into the role of Managing Director at Sarasota Opera during such an exciting chapter in the company's history," he said. "The performing arts have been my life's work. I look forward to bringing my deep-seated passion for theatre, my background in non-profit arts leadership, and an eagerness to connect with the amazing people who make Sarasota such a special place to live and create."

He added: "Sarasota Opera is renowned for its extraordinary artistic standard and deeply rooted community connection, and I look forward to building upon that legacy."

The creation of the Managing Director post signals a structural shift for the Florida company. By pairing Albert's financial and operational portfolio with Russell's artistic leadership, Sarasota Opera has split its top administration into two complementary roles at a moment of stated growth.

Albert's résumé bridges both the commercial and non-profit sides of the industry, from corporate production to finance directorships at major festival and opera organizations. That mix matches the demands of a mid-sized regional opera company managing both artistic ambition and budget discipline.

How the new partnership between Albert and Russell shapes the company's operations will become clear as Sarasota Opera moves into its next season under the restructured leadership team.