Gracia Sweeney-Transom (left) (1962-2017) created the Opera Foundation in 1999 and and served as its first president until her death. Under Gracia's leadership the organization built a strong endowment while developing a program of annual concerts and fundraising activities. 

Lee Ann Grace, PhD, was the foundation's president from 2017 through 2022, resigning from that position to take up the presidency of Buffalo Opera Unlimited. During Lee Ann's stewardship, the organization launched the Student Achievement Award competition program.