{ ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF }
Elizabeth G. Long, who became the first administrative professional hired by FLO, began her tenure in March of 2019. She has fifteen years of management and fundraising experience. Prior to her position with FLO, Long served as Resource Development Coordinator for Main Street Alabama (MSA, Birmingham, AL), where she was responsible for management of its fundraising program. Long also has served as Grants Management Specialist with the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (Montgomery, AL), Executive Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (OH) and Marketing/PR Manager of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DE). Long was born and raised in Emporia, KS, received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and went on to earn a graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music through their Arts Administration program. She has been married to Curtis Long, currently the president of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, for 26 years.
GWEN PAKER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
(585) 450-3880 x506 | gpaker@fingerlakesopera.org
Gwen joined the administrative team at Finger Lakes Opera in 2021 and now works as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement. Prior to her work with Finger Lakes Opera, Gwen worked with arts organizations like The Hochstein School, the Institute for Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music, and Opera On Tap Boston.
In addition to her work with Finger Lakes Opera, Gwen is a passionate performer and teacher of music. She studied at the Eastman School of Music, where she won the 2019 Eastman Voice and Opera Department Concerto Competition and the 2022 Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition. She has frequently been seen onstage in leading roles with Eastman Opera Theatre, including Eleonora in Salieri's Prima la musica e poi le parole, Léontine in Bologne's L'amant anonyme, and Dr. Nora Lear in Davis's Lear On The Second Floor.
OPIE
CHIEF MORALE OFFICER
Opie is an administrative professional with several months of experience, specializing in giving cuddles, playing tug of war, and making his coworkers smile. He joined the Finger Lakes Opera family at the start of the 2023 Summer Season, using his talents to assist the Finger Lakes Opera administrative team in their efforts to bring opera to the Finger Lakes and Rochester regions.
When not in the office, Opie enjoys going for long walks, eating treats, and squeaking his toys.