By Dan Walsh
The board of Wexford Festival Trust has announced the appointment of Suzanne Nance as its new Executive Director. Suzanne Nance will take up the role on January 1st, 2026, following the conclusion of Loughlin Deegan’s term as Interim Executive Director in December.
Suzanne joins Wexford Festival Opera following eight years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Arts Network All Classical Radio based in Portland, Oregon, where she oversaw a period of unprecedented growth, with record-breaking audience expansion and a significant increase in global digital reach.
An award-winning broadcaster and highly respected arts leader, and arts ambassador, Suzanne Nance brings a distinguished track record of visionary leadership in public media, the arts, and community engagement.
Speaking about her appointment, Suzanne said “I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival Opera as Executive Director, especially as we prepare to celebrate 75 extraordinary years of artistic excellence in 2026. There is a distinct and enduring magic to Wexford – rooted in the warmth of its people and their profound commitment to the arts. The unwavering support of the local community, the Board, and the Arts Council has been essential to the festival’s enduring success.
“As the home of the National Opera House, Wexford holds a cherished place not only in Ireland, but on the international stage. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable legacy and to help amplify Ireland’s rich contributions to opera and the arts”, concluded Ms. Nance.
Paul Cleary, Chairman of the Board of Wexford Festival Trust, commented; “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Suzanne Nance to Wexford Festival Opera. Suzanne is a dynamic and visionary leader whose deep passion for opera and proven track record in arts leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter.
The 74th Wexford Festival Opera takes place from October 17th – November 1st.
WexfordLocal.com 