Lori Decter Wright

General Director & CEO

Lori Decter Wright, General Director and CEO of Tulsa Opera, is a lifelong artist, educator, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and civic leader who believes deeply in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and bring people together.

Ms. Decter Wright joined Tulsa Opera’s Board of Directors in 2019, serving as chair of the Community Engagement Committee (2020-2022) and later leading the Fundraising Committee (2023). She also served on the Board Development and Strategic Planning Committees. In October 2023, she was appointed General Director and CEO, bringing her experience as a professional opera singer, nonprofit executive, community leader, and arts advocate to the organization’s leadership.

Under her leadership, Tulsa Opera is expanding its vision for what an opera company can be in a dynamic and diverse community. Her priorities include artistic excellence, authentic engagement with Tulsa’s many communities, innovative and entertaining programming, meaningful education and outreach, and opportunities to nurture and showcase local artistic talent. She is committed to bringing exceptional artists and compelling stories to audiences in traditional and nontraditional venues throughout Tulsa and the region.

A Tulsan by choice, Ms. Decter Wright has called Tulsa home since 2008. Before joining Tulsa Opera’s leadership, she served as Executive Director of Kendall Whittier Incorporated from 2015 to 2023, guiding the community-based nonprofit through responsible growth, financial stabilization, and the expansion of programs addressing food insecurity. Previously, she spent seven years on the Executive Management Team of Sweet Adelines International, a Tulsa-founded organization with approximately 23,000 members worldwide. As Director of Education and Membership, she led innovative approaches to education, programming, and member engagement while strengthening youth outreach and expanding opportunities for women through music.

Decter Wright’s career began on the opera stage. An award-winning soprano, she enjoyed a 15-year professional performing career with opera companies and symphonies throughout the United States and abroad. From 2001 to 2006, she and her husband, Joseph, were Principal Artists in Residence with Opera San José. She continues to perform locally when her schedule allows.

Her commitment to community extends beyond the arts. First elected to the Tulsa City Council in 2018, Decter Wright is currently serving her fifth term representing southeast Tulsa’s District 7. Her civic and arts leadership has also included volunteer service with VisitTulsa’s Film, Music, Art, and Culture Advisory Board, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust, and Spotlight on Opera.

Ms. Decter Wright holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from San José State University, where she studied voice with Dr. David Rohrbaugh and was mentored by the late, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Irene Dalis.
At Tulsa Opera, Ms. Decter Wright is helping shape a future where opera is both artistically exceptional and deeply connected to the community — an art form that welcomes everyone, tells stories that matter, and inspires audiences across generations.