Talent Citizen congratulates Joanna Safarik on her appointment as Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Boston Lyric Opera (BLO), effective May 11, 2026. Joanna joins BLO as the esteemed organization is poised to celebrate its 50th anniversary season. As Senior Philanthropy Advisor, Joanna will grow and engage the community of patrons passionate about supporting compelling operatic experiences, securing major philanthropic gifts from individuals and families.
Joanna brings nearly twenty years of experience in a variety of fundraising positions within civic and educational institutions in the United States and the Czech Republic. Most recently, Joanna was Philanthropy Program Manager at the Synergos Institute and served as the Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer for PeaceJam Czech Republic. Joanna also served for seven years as Manager of Institutional Advancement at Duhovka Montessori Institute in Prague. Joanna’s fundraising career began with impactful roles in the political arena in Washington, DC.
Raised in an artistic family and trained as a pianist and mezzo-soprano, Joanna is motivated by BLO’s reputation for exceptional artistry, innovative and modern programming, and its strong track record of expanding access to opera by delivering inclusive educational initiatives within the community.
Joanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, an MBA from the University of the People, and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Talent Citizen President Tracy Welsh led this search with Managing Director Rachel K. Partin.