Regina Thiel
Meet the Executive Director.
Regina Thiel brings a dynamic blend of business expertise and artistic passion to her role as Executive Director of Fargo-Moorhead Opera. With a background spanning finance, customer success, sales, and leadership, she is recognized for her strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and dedication to sustainable organizational growth. Her professional journey includes roles as a financial advisor, startup team lead, and regional portfolio manager in the beverage distribution industry.
A graduate of Concordia College with a degree in Global Studies, International Business, and Spanish, Regina’s connection to FM Opera began in 2008 as a chorus member, later serving as a board member and board secretary. Her longstanding relationship with the company and the community informs her leadership with authenticity and vision.
Outside the opera, Regina is a Certified Specialist of Wine, a yoga instructor, and an engaged community member. She is passionate about expanding opera’s reach and impact, working to make the art form more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant for audiences throughout the Fargo-Moorhead region.
Joshua Kohl
Meet the Artistic Director.
Joshua Kohl, a seasoned tenor with over 20 years of experience on the international opera stage, brings a wealth of artistic expertise to his role as Artistic Director of Fargo-Moorhead Opera. His distinguished performance career includes leading roles with companies such as Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Pittsburgh Opera, as well as international engagements at Musiktheater im Revier and Konzert Theater Bern.
Renowned for his versatility and dramatic depth, Joshua performed an extensive repertoire during his six seasons with Theater Freiburg, including Des Grieux, Rodolfo, Pinkerton, and Peter Quint, earning critical acclaim for his recording of Hulda. His connection to FM Opera began in 2013 with performances in Gianni Schicchi, Carmen, and La Bohème, and in 2017, he made Fargo his home.
In addition to his artistic leadership, Joshua works as a Professional Search Consultant at Preference Employment Solutions, supporting the local community. Drawing on his global experience and collaborative spirit, he is committed to building upon FM Opera’s legacy of excellence and fostering new talent.
Leah Vogel
Meet the Operations and Production Coordinator.
After 30 years as a patron and 15 as seasonal artistic staff, Leah is so excited to be taking on a new role with Fargo-Moorhead Opera. Leah is an active member of the performing arts community in the FM area. After graduating from NDSU with a BS in Theatre Arts, Leah interned in Stage Management at The Juilliard School and spent 7 years in the NYC area working in Stage and Production Management. Regionally, Leah has Stage Managed productions with FM Opera, Theatre B, NDSU Opera Theatre, Theatre NDSU, Act Up Theatre, Trollwood Performing Arts School, and Lyric Opera of the North.
Lisa Martinez
Meet the Marketing & Communications Coordinator.
Lisa Martinez graduated Cum Laude from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. She brings more than fifteen years of experience in nonprofit marketing and communications, developing and executing strategic marketing plans, managing social media accounts and websites, planning and executing events, designing graphics and promo materials, enhancing community connections, and more.
In her spare time, Lisa is incredibly active and involved in her community, attending a variety of events and volunteering with her favorite arts organizations. She is a longtime member of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals organization, where she received Young Professional of the Year (2014) and Legacy Young Professional (2024) honors. Lisa is also a member of the North Dakota Professional Communicators and is Past President of the Grand Forks Downtown Rotary Club. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Grand Forks Women’s Fund Leadership Academy class of 2021, and was named Woman of the Year in 2024 by the Greater Grand Forks Women’s Leadership Cooperative. Lisa enjoys traveling, practicing Yoga, Brunch Club, shopping at farmers markets, live music, and exploring museums and historical sites.