Peach State Opera is thrilled to announce the hiring of our first executive director! Simone McGaw Evans, DMA, has a long history with PSO as both a performer and volunteer. She was with us during our opening season in 2008–2009, and has accepted this new leadership position as we continue to build our programming and economic stability.

Originally from Jamaica, Simone moved to Atlanta in 2002. She began her musical studies in voice performance at Georgia State University School of Music after transferring from Georgia Perimeter College. Simone completed her doctorate at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Voice Performance with concentrations in Pedagogy and Arts Management. It was the year between completing her undergraduate degree and moving to Cincinnati that she performed in PSO’s productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors and Carmen and Friends.

After returning to Atlanta from Cincinnati, Simone joined our Development Committee in the fall of 2015, assisting in our most successful fundraiser thus far. She then served as Business Manager for the past year before accepting the position of Executive Director.

As a visionary leader, Simone is focused on building a stronger foundation in program management and fiscal security to ensure the longevity of Peach State Opera as Georgia’s premier touring opera company. Simone is looking forward to collaborating with Artistic Director and founder Evelyn Hughes, the Board of Directors, cast, crew, and volunteers to fulfill our mission and vision in bringing opera to underserved communities.

Simone McGaw Evans’s LinkedIn profile

Dear friends of Peach State Opera,

Thank you for a warm welcome as I step into this leadership role.  We have a great team of directors, advisors, and volunteers with the necessary skills and insight to accomplish our mission and fulfill our vision.  At our core are our supporters – our donors and patrons.  We can’t thank you enough for your sustained contributions.  Your gifts will go toward building healthy communities through the performing art of opera.

Simone Evans