Photos from left to right: Michael Nelson, David M. Dwelle, Kyriakos Tsakopoulos
Not pictured: Tracey O’Reilly
SACRAMENTO, CA – February 12, 2025 – The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) received a fresh injection of board leadership with the election of four new members to the Board of Directors. The four new members, who include entrepreneur Michael Nelson, philanthropist David M. Dwelle, attorney Tracey O’Reilly, and real estate developer Kyriakos Tsakopoulos, begin their tenure immediately.
“SP&O is honored to have these four experienced business and community volunteers join our Board of Directors,” said SP&O President Sheree Meyer. “Our board has a track record of tremendous success, as our recent accomplishments demonstrate, but with these new members sharing their passion and knowledge, SP&O is poised to reach even greater heights.”
The new board members join the board at a time when the SP&O is on a trajectory of growth and success. The SP&O’s recent seasons have resulted in a chorus of unprecedented achievements, including a reliable and growing subscription base, sold out performances and, since 2015, over $13 million in gifts and sponsorships made to the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Foundation.
About the New Directors:
Michael Nelson is an accomplished entrepreneur and owner of technology firms, including TLC Tech and Scaled. Beyond his business success, Michael is deeply committed to giving back to his community through his involvement in the arts and charitable initiatives. As a former board member and president of the Sacramento Opera, Michael played a key role in advancing the organization and helped facilitate the merger with the Sacramento Philharmonic, resulting in the formation of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O). He believes in the power of the arts to inspire and unite communities and has devoted significant time and resources to supporting these efforts. Michael is excited about the prospect of returning to the SP&O board to continue contributing to its success.
David Michael Dwelle is a California native with a background in financial accounting and a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Over the course of his career, David has gained valuable experience across several industries, including energy, real estate, and professional services. In his current role as an Accountant and Board Member at his family office, David helps oversee financial operations and plays an active part in the family’s philanthropic efforts. He has previously held key roles at Flyers Energy and Pacific Power Renewables, and as a consultant at Deloitte. David’s lifelong connection to music started in high school as a trombone and tuba player in jazz and concert band. David has also music directed several youth theatre productions. His commitment to music education and community outreach continues to be a driving force in his personal and professional life.
Kyriakos Tsakopoulos serves as Co-Chair of AKT Investments, Inc., a diversified, family-owned land development and property investment company based in Sacramento. Mr. Tsakopoulos also serves as President and CEO of Conaway Preservation Group, LLC that owns the 17,500-acre Conaway Ranch located in Yolo County. Active in regional and national civic, charitable and political affairs with a passion for higher education policy, Mr. Tsakopoulos has served as a Trustee of Columbia University, the California State University System, and as Chair of the University of California at Davis MIND Research and Development Institute. In 2018 he served as Chair of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and currently leads an effort to establish a new college in Placer County, California. Mr. Tsakopoulos trained as an attorney and is a member of the California and United States Supreme Court Bars. He is an avid airplane pilot, golfer and hunter and resides in Sacramento with his wife, Bri, and three children.