Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) has elected Melody Ellison, a longtime advocate for the arts and philanthropy, to its Board of Directors.

Ellison has served the Santa Barbara cultural community for some 30 years through leadership, volunteerism, fundraising, and community engagement.

A supporter of the performing arts, Ellison has dedicated time to strengthening and advancing Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape.

Ellison is founder and principal of The Halo Group, a public relations and special events firm specializing in lifestyle brands, nonprofit organizations, and mission-driven initiatives.

Most recently, Ellison served as chair of Opera Santa Barbara’s annual gala, which became the most attended and highest-grossing gala in the organization’s history.

She will return as gala chair for the upcoming season, continuing her commitment to advancing the company’s mission, cultivating philanthropic support, and strengthening its connection to the community.

For Ellison, the appointment represents both a professional honor and a personal commitment to an organization that has long held a special place in her heart, she said.

“Opera Santa Barbara is more than an arts organization to me; it is family. I am honored to join the Board of Directors at such an exciting time for the company and look forward to helping strengthen philanthropic support, expand educational opportunities, and build upon the company’s extraordinary legacy,” Ellison said.