Mike Kraft

Like many of his Opera Steamboat board member colleagues, Mike’s musical tastes go beyond the opera genre. Mike and his wife, Cindy, enjoy twice yearly visits to New York City for “dinner and a show,” and Broadway shows are at the top of the list. Recent memorable performances include Miss Saigon, Come from Away, and Carousel.

You might say that his years as an Opera Steamboat board member began at high altitude when he met fellow pilot, Jack Dysart, who recruited Mike for his business skills.

“That was in 2007,” says Mike. “It was three of us—Jack, Val Davia, and me—meeting at Jack’s house.”

Mike spent over three decades as Senior Regional Sales Manager at Pfizer, Inc. which made his skill set a valuable asset for taking the young opera company to the next level.

Mike has come to love the art form and is proud of be a part of the board.

“We’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of that,” says Mike.

Opera Steamboat isn’t the only nonprofit to benefit from Mike’s time and expertise. He is a volunteer pilot for four organizations that depend on pilots like Mike to carry out their missions: Sky Kids, a twice yearly event where kids with disabilities fly with their families; Angel Flights, free air transportation for any legitimate, charitable, medically-related need (recently he delivered food and water to the Navajo Nation);  Life Flight, Inc., blood delivery and pickup for Vitalant; and Christmas Navajo Relief, yearly donations delivered to the reservations .

Today, Mike and Cindy own and operate Longford Aviation, Inc., based in Scottsdale, AZ., an airplane and simulator leasing company, and Longford Properties, a condo management company.

The couple enjoy golfing, flying and spending time with their 4 boys, 8 grandchildren, and four-legged kid, Cooper, the West Highland Terrier.

When asked what the last magical musical moment was that he experienced, he was quick to reply: “Sitting outside, watching the sunset, having happy hour with Cindy, and listening to The Messiah.”