CBC Head Off to the Opera

Diana Fortuna, president of the Citizen’s Budget Commission, a New York City and state fiscal watchdog group, has resigned to become budget director for the Metropolitan Opera. Fortuna has served as president of the business-oriented organization since 1998.

“I’m a big fan of the performing arts and very curious about how you can make big cultural institutions thrive and work for modern audiences, and the Met is at the forefront of that effort,” Fortuna said.

While the CBC didn’t make a public announcement of Fortuna’s departure, chairman James L. Lipscomb informed trustees in a memo the week before last. Fortuna’s successor will be chosen by a selection committee.

Fortuna, a graduate of Harvard and Columbia University business school, served as deputy budget director under former New York City Mayor Ed Koch and as associate director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under former President Bill Clinton.

The Citizen’s Budget Commission was founded during the Great Depression to analyze New York City’s finances and issue reports and recommendations. In 1984, the organization expanded its mission to include the state government and recently opened an office in Albany.

Fortuna will stay on at the CBC until the end of February. She is married to City Council member and city comptroller candidate David Yassky.

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