Expertise + Work History

PROFILE
Arts Management Executive who combines a broad understanding of visual, performing, and media arts with expert skill in conceptualizing, producing, and presenting cultural projects for diverse audiences. A proven leader committed to programmatic innovation, strategic collaboration, and financial discipline.

  • Knowledgeable about a wide range of arts practices, with an extensive network of industry contacts.

  • Experienced with institutional positioning, external relations, communications, and fund development.

  • Successful in building and strengthening entities in startup, growth, turnaround, and transitional stages.

EXPERIENCE
Racine Art Museum Association | Racine, WI | 2025–Present
Executive Director. Chief administrator for a two-campus organization renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary craft, award-winning architecture, and nationally recognized exhibition program with an operating budget of $3M. Responsible for providing vision, leadership, curatorial oversight, and management expertise in the areas of programming, financial planning, fundraising, operations, and communications.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | Santa Cruz, CA | 2020–2024
Executive Director. Chief executive for an interdisciplinary community museum with an operating budget of $2.5M. The organization produces a series of exhibitions and biennial festivals; hosts educational and outreach programs; houses a permanent collection and archive; and operates and manages multiple historic sites, public spaces, and commercial and retail properties. Key achievements include:

  • Increased engagement and retention. Doubled paid attendance, tripled digital engagement, and increased museum visibility overall; expanded tech-forward offerings including interactive and immersive mediums and platforms, online exhibitions, virtual events, collections digitization, and e-membership; and launched two biennial multi-arts festivals and a new work commissioning and residency program.

  • Deepened relationships and collaboration. Promoted cultural competence, linguistic diversity, and inclusive communication in programs, operations, and institutional culture; co-created activities and content with a wide range of participants; introduced a partner evaluation system using a multi-criteria analysis framework; and prioritized alliances that fostered mutual support, resource sharing, and collective impact.

  • Built resilience and capacity. Secured $4M+ in new grant funding, and built and maintained a six-figure pipeline of grant prospects; led 45% average year-over-year growth in individual giving and overhauled annual fund initiatives, netting gains in revenue, new and recaptured donors, and size and number of gifts; restructured operations for maximum savings and efficiency; retired debt; and re-established reserves.

Park City Municipal Corporation | Park City, UT | 2019–2020
Arts & Culture Development Advisor (contract). Planning advisor for the Park City Arts and Culture District, an estimated $65M project created in partnership with the City, Kimball Art Center, and Sundance Institute. The district is envisioned to be a fully integrated mixed-use community with artist housing, affordable live/work units, creative studios, performance and exhibition spaces, and headquarters for local arts institutions. Advisory areas included program design, governance, management and operations, and communications.

Breckenridge Creative Arts | Breckenridge, CO | 2014–2019
President & CEO. Founding president and chief executive officer for a new nonprofit developed by the Town of Breckenridge with an operating budget of $3M. The organization oversees a portfolio of cultural events and assets, including multiple arts facilities and a public art collection. Key achievements include:

  • Delivered innovative and diverse programming. Produced a series of festivals and exhibitions; developed a year-round presenting program featuring performing arts, lectures, and films; opened and activated the new $10M Breckenridge Arts District campus; designed an artist residency program focused on social and environmental impact; and introduced a wider, more coherent public art strategy.

  • Enhanced the profile and reputation of Breckenridge. Developed a brand identity, positioning strategy, and marketing-communications program; oversaw public and media relations; and strengthened alliances with partners in the tourism industry, receiving statewide recognition from the Colorado Governor’s Office, Colorado Tourism Office, and Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade.

  • Increased community engagement and impact. Supported accessibility efforts through free events, affordable pricing policies, scholarship opportunities, and a broad demographic reach; increased public enfranchisement through membership programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships; and deepened the relevance, benefit, and value of programs and services to residents and guests.

  • Developed organizational capacity and capabilities. Established and implemented the required infrastructure as a start-up nonprofit; incorporated the organization; defined vision, mission, and values; developed bylaws and governance structure; provided financial leadership in budgeting, reporting, and cash management; and established administrative and operational policies and procedures.

  • Built a sustainable, fiscally-responsible organization. Secured a three-year, renewable commitment from the municipality to provide an annual $2M+ operating grant; increased earned revenue by 200% within two years; implemented two strategic plans; built up cash reserves by achieving operating surpluses for five consecutive years; and established a capital improvement plan to address aging infrastructure.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival | Ann Arbor, MI | 2004–2014
Executive & Artistic Director. Chief executive for an annual multi-arts festival presented in association with the City of Ann Arbor and University of Michigan with an operating budget of $1.5M. The organization produces a three-week season featuring an eclectic mix of performing, visual, and literary arts. Key achievements include:

  • Increased revenue. Broadened the organization’s funding base; grew annual individual contributions by 150%; introduced a multi-year giving society; implemented a planned giving program; established an endowment fund; and presented some of the highest-grossing seasons in the festival’s history.

  • Expanded programs. Introduced dozens of national and international artists to the market; launched popular new attractions, including site-specific works and open-air spectacles; and presented over 100 scheduled events each season at venues and spaces across the city to over 75K people per year.

  • Renewed identity. Implemented a comprehensive brand overhaul and integrated marketing effort to build greater visibility for the organization; revitalized sponsorship program; and increased annual attendance by diversifying programs and improving awareness, relevance, and engagement among target audiences.

  • Improved infrastructure. Developed multiple strategic plans; updated bylaws, policies, and other governing documents; upgraded financial and IT systems; improved internal controls and business processes; and realigned staffing structure to enhance productivity and organizational effectiveness.

Midland Center for the Arts | Midland, MI | 2002–2004
Managing Director, Music Society. Member of the management team for a multi-venue complex for arts, sciences, and humanities with an operating budget of $7M. Responsible for providing operational, financial, and administrative oversight to the activities of this member group. Key achievements include:

  • Programming: Led staff in the areas of project planning, artistic development, and program growth.

  • Marketing: Planned subscription and single ticket campaigns; oversaw design and execution of collateral materials; developed marketing plans; cultivated and grew audience base.

  • Development: Created a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual fund, sponsorship, corporate and foundation activities, and special events.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts |  Saint Paul, MN | 1997–2001
Programming Manager. Member of the management team for the state’s largest performing arts center with an operating budget of $14M. Responsible for planning and organizing activities that ranged from Broadway tours to music, dance, and family entertainment. Key achievements include: identified and booked artists and productions; negotiated fees and deal structures; created show estimates; ensured contract execution and fulfillment; handled artist and management relations; and oversaw event settlements.

For self-produced and original theatricals, key achievements include: assisted with casting, talent acquisition, and the negotiation of union labor agreements; contracted personnel; provided general and company management support; and served as production associate for Ordway-produced national tours of large-scale musicals.

EARLY CAREER | EDUCATION
Began career in administrative support positions with several high-profile New York entertainment companies, including Jim Henson Productions and BBC Lionheart Television. Gained valuable experience in development, production, licensing, marketing, and worldwide distribution, while also establishing many industry contacts.

  • Hamline University, Saint Paul, B.A., Theatre

  • Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Internship

  • Commercial Theater Institute, NYC, Intensive Program

RELATED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to energize and motivate board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders

  • Politically savvy and comfortable with broad-based constituencies

  • Understanding of and commitment to DEIA principles and practices

  • Skilled in the management of people, organizational culture, and change

  • Entrepreneurial; personable; good sense of humor

AWARDS | APPOINTMENTS | AFFILIATIONS
Colorado Governor’s Tourism Award, Breckenridge Creative Arts, 2016
Board Member and Secretary, Ann Arbor Arts Alliance, 2007–2010
Speaker/Panelist: Arts Midwest, Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Colorado Creative Industries, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, National Endowment for the Arts