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Arts

Has participated in the arts many roles - from performer to business expert.  A representative sample follows:  (Listed in alphabetical order.)

 

Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Boston, MA

Executive Director 2012-2022

 

  • Effected financial and operational turnaround and established fiscal stability:

    • Lead organization from not being a “going concern” to one of the city's “top five choruses.” 

    • Transformed bankrupt (on paper) organization to debt free, financially solvent group with annual surpluses, reserve fund and endowment. 

      • Ended 8 years of losses, delivered 10 consecutive fiscal years of surpluses

      • Balanced budgets, established reserve (40% of operating budget)

      • Generated positive cash flow

      • Reimagined annual gala that delivers 70% ROI

    • Grew, expanded donor base with retention levels 75%+.

    • Increased ticket sales each year.

      • Introduced dynamic pricing model

      • Re-imagined subscriber program to donor benefit

      • Added performance capacity

    • Established Endowment and received initial cash contributions plus $1.8 million in future bequests committed.​

  • Expanded organization during 2-year COVID19 hiatus.

    • No furloughs or layoffs, added staff positions.

    • Produced 100+ pieces of digital content, including 3 unique television specials that were #1 in the ratings airings on ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5, #1 in Greater Boston.

    • Produced 3 full-length documentaries.

    • Grew individual, government and foundation giving.

  • Leader in impact on BIPOC issues, growing membership (28%) and audience (15%). 

  • Led three strategic planning processes, engaging a 360-degree review involving board, artistic team, community, membership, donors, audience, staff.

  • Oversaw refreshed branding and communications messaging

    • Established video presence on YouTube & Facebook, drawing 10+ million views from every country.

    • Social media growth and engagement

    • Launched TikTok account

    • Created sponsorship of local gay softball and gay kickball teams

  • Facilitated merchandising recording library availability on digital platforms, including iTunes resulting in over 300,000 downloads.

  • Raised profile with press coverage and marketing efforts, regularly resulting in "pick of the day" selections by The Boston Globe. Often quoted in major articles and op-ed pieces on arts and LGBTQ+ issues.  

  • Established high visibility and engagement with government officials.

    • Obtained "Cultural Ambassador" recognition and celebration from Governor and three Mayors.

    • Coordinated chorus performing at (R) governor's inaugural gala.

  • Conceived and produced Disney PRIDE in Concert, a first-ever collaboration with Disney Concerts creating full choral concert telling diverse LGBTQ+ stories. Show licensed by multiple other GALA Choruses around world within first year, expanding brand, reputation of BGMC.

  • Doubled membership; increased retention from 50% to 90%.

  • Facilitated 30+ commissions and further investment in artistic product, including developing multiple new works by living BIPOC and trans artists.

  • Created education program. Engaged curriculum expert to develop and implement multi-media program. Pilot program in 5 schools with diversity of students (race, age, socio-economic status). Before and after surveys demonstrated that each school saw engagement and improvement in student understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Demand for program was significant.

  • Developed (and delivered fundraising) and oversaw first-ever tours to the Middle East (2015) and South Africa (2018) by LGBTQ+ chorus, with global media coverage, recognition and awards by the City and State. Millions of social media engagements. History making projects documented in award-winning video series. 

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Flying House Productions

Seattle Men's Chorus & Seattle Women's Chorus, Seattle, WA

Interim Executive Director 2022-

 

  • Relaunched legacy choruses after COVID related shutdowns

    • Effected culture change focused on music and mission 

    • Budget impact

      • Delivered $700K positive variance over year one inherited budget 

      • ​​100% budget growth year two 

      • ​Increased investment in artistic product

      • In year 1 brought 3 years of audits and tax returns current

    • Membership participation increase over prior year

      • 157% SMC

      • 64% SWC

      • Specific outreach effort to broaden representation in membership

    • Audience growth​ 

      • 28% year over prior year

      • 125% projected year two

      • Focused effort to broaden representation of audience

    • Rebuilt staff and brought organization into HR and payroll compliance​

  • In close partnership with the Artistic Director developed and produced innovative programming:

    • Pacific Northwest premiere of Disney PRIDE in Concert

    • 20th Anniversary concert for SWC

    • Returned choruses to legacy role of creating LGBTQ+ work for the sector by commissioning 6 new works by living composers with a focus on BIPOC, female identified and trans artists.

    • Developing first-ever experiences for 2024-25 season.

    • Exploring return to touring for 2025-2026 season.

  • Recreated Development department in partnership with Director of Development, establishing individual giving, corporate sponsorship and institutional giving as a significant portion of revenue. Focused effort to broaden representation in giving.

  • Produced Patti LuPone benefit concert at McCaw Hall

  • Raised visibility of each chorus through traditional media coverage (Seattle Times, KIRO, King 5, more). 

  • Expanded Social media footprint with increased posts, engagement and distinguishing between channels and brands, launching TikTok.

  • Launched video division that has exponentially increased viewership

    • Livestreaming of concerts​

    • Short form documentary storytelling

    • Introduced video narrative as part of concert productions

    • Oral history project launched

    • Out of the Archive - digitizing and releasing decades of material with hundreds of unique videos

    • Brand distinct YouTube channels for each chorus

  • Developing educational program to bring LGBTQ+ and music to schools in an innovative and engaging manner. Seeking to build a curriculum based program in partnership with Artistic Director and to be hired Director of Education. 

  • Established archive project with University of Washington to preserve history of SMC and SWC. 

  • Brought technological consistency to organization with upgrades and reorganization of 40+ years of digital files.

  • Refreshed owned building, adapting facility for hybrid work culture.

  • Facilitate participation at quadrennial choral festival in Minneapolis, MN.

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The Theatre @ Boston Court (Pasadena, CA)

  • Obtained 501(c)3 status

  • Established initial budget, accounting and finance infrastructure

  • Provided oversight to on-site bookkeeping staff 2002-2008

  • Reported and interfaced with Board of Directors

  • Managed third-party audit, annual tax and information filings

 

National Repertory Theatre Foundation, Los Angeles, CA

  • Treasurer Board of Directors 1995-1998

  • Resurrected Foundation, oversaw revitalization of core activities

  • Managed all day-to-day finances and operations eliminating deficit

  • Managed third-party audit, annual tax and information filings

  • Reestablished National Play Award, Co-produced Staged Readings of winners

  • Facilitated Town Hall Meeting with Los Angeles theatrical community to determine future organizational role in the community

  • Positioned organization for merger with Classical Theatre Lab

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One Voice Mixed Chorus, St. Paul, MN

Executive Director 2012

 

  • Developed and implemented strategic plan resulting in 3% surplus for FY11-12 (from 18% deficit on arrival).

  • Grant success:

    • Secured 4 year grant 4 times prior funding level.

    • Obtained largest grant in organizations history ($65K) 

  • Budget for FY12-13 reflects 20% growth with evenly balanced revenue sources.

  • Launched appreciation programs and fostered relationships with membership, audience and donors.

  • Facilitated merchandising recording library availability on digital platforms, including iTunes.

  • Raised profile with press coverage and marketing efforts.

  • Revitalized communications strategy: video promotion; social media engagement (23% surge in one month); Drove and oversaw major re-branding program.

  • Oversaw all operations including two office moves.  

  • Collaborate with Artistic Director.

  • Liaison with Board.

  • Planned 25th Anniversary season at premiere venue.

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Peterborough Players, Peterborough, NH

  • Assistant Stage Manager & member of technical team over 49th and 50th Anniversary Seasons

  • Box Office Support

  • Administrative Support

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Soho Poly, London England

  • Director with New Play Festival 1985

  • House Manager

  • Assistant Director Winter Season of Theatrical Productions

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Syracuse Stage, Syracuse NY

  • Assistant Stage Manager main stage productions 1986-1987 season

 

Syracuse University Drama, Syracuse, NY

  • Directing Major (BFA Theatre Arts, Focus on Communications - Dean's List)

  • Directed and Produced The Robber Bridegroom as an undergraduate

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Vox Femina Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

  • Founding Board Member

  • Treasurer 1997-2007 (delivered 10 consecutive years in the black)

  • Advisory Board Member 2007-current

  • Obtained 501(c)3 status

  • Day-to-day finance, accounting

  • Grant writer with 83% success rate

  • Managed third-party audit, annual tax and information filings

  • Strategic planning & implementation that established the nascent organization as a world-renown women's chorale ensemble

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