In February 2018, the company announced the appointments of Robert K.

In November 2016, the company announced the extension of Bicket's contract as chief conductor through 30 September 2020. In April 2013, the company announced simultaneously the appointments of Harry Bicket as its next chief conductor, effective 1 October 2013, and of Montgomery as conductor laureate for the 2013 season. However, in August 2012, Chaslin resigned as the Opera's chief conductor. In May 2010, the company announced the appointment of Frédéric Chaslin as the company's next chief conductor, effective 1 October 2010, with an initial contract of three years. He was the first conductor to hold that title with the company However, in November 2008, the company announced that de Waart stood down from the post before the end of his contract, with de Waart citing health and family reasons for this decision. In July 2007, Edo de Waart was named as chief conductor, effective 1 October 2007, with an initial contract was of four years. Kenneth Montgomery, a regular guest conductor starting in 1982, served as interim music director for the 2007 season. Alan Gilbert became the company's first music director from 2003 to 2006.

In addition to being the opera company's founding general director, Crosby had simultaneously served as its de facto first principal conductor.

In August 2017, the company announced the intention of MacKay to stand down as its general director after the 2018 season. In November 2007, SFO named Charles MacKay the company's third general director, effective 1 October 2008. Richard Gaddes served as the company's general director from 2000 through 2008. Crosby remained as general director until 2000, the longest general directorship in US opera history.

Santa fe opera