WTTW veteran Holly Gilson to sing Lyric Opera’s praises

Holly Gilson

Holly Gilson

Holly Gilson, former director of corporate communications for the parent company of Chicago’s public television station and classical music radio station, has joined Lyric Opera of Chicago as deputy director of communications.

Gilson began this week at what she called “a place full of wonderfully smart, creative and supportive people,” adding: “I look forward to making contributions here.”

At the world renowned opera company, she reports to director of marketing Lisa Middleton, and succeeds Alexandra Day, who left to become director of communications and marketing strategy at The Juilliard School in Manhattan.

In her 13 years at Window to the World Communications, parent company of WTTW-Channel 11 and WFMT FM 98.7, Gilson earned a sterling reputation as its corporate spokeswoman and media representative. When she left last June, her title was director of strategic partnerships and special projects.

An internal memo said her job had been eliminated to create a new position of director of development for the Imagining More campaign, a $75 million capital fundraising drive.

Gilson, 47, is a graduate of Rich East High School in Park Forest and Southern Illinois University.