After three years as OPERA America's managing director, Kurt Howard shifted into the position of director of programs services in 2017. Howard is responsible for professional development programs, annual conference planning and execution, supervision of grant programs (specifically OPERA America's Innovation grants), leadership in EDI and anti-harassment initiatives and will coordinate the soon-to-be-launched Co-Production Lending Bank.  He also serves as adviser for the New York Opera Alliance. He was previously with Fort Worth Opera, where over the span of a 10-year career he served as both production manager and stage manager. He led the production team through the transition into a repertory/festival format and was directly responsible for all aspects of production, including the development of new works premiered at Fort Worth Opera. He was the organization’s producing director from 2010–2015. His responsibilities included artistic and creative team management, budget development, and management and production oversight. Howard has been associated with OPERA America for several years, chairing the Technical/Production Forum and participating in the Electronic Media and New Works Forums, as well as serving as an adjudication panelist for the Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Showcase and as a member of the Strategy Committee.