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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.

  • Adept at steering organizations through startup, growth, turnround, and transitional stages.

  • Accomplished in institutional advancement, external relations, marketing, and communications.

  • Knowledgeable about a wide range of arts practices and the evolving trends shaping the field.

EXPERIENCE
Racine Art Museum Association | Racine, WI | 2025–Present
Executive Director. Serve as chief executive of an accredited, two-campus museum working at the intersection of contemporary art, craft, design, and community making with a $2.5M operating budget. Guide vision while stewarding the largest contemporary craft collection in North America and nationally recognized exhibitions, studio art programs, and multidisciplinary initiatives. Key achievements include:

  • Launched a bold five-year strategic plan to drive institutional relevance, impact, and vitality.

  • Fortified organizational resilience through strengthened infrastructure and policy measures.

  • Secured a $2M multi-year municipal investment to fuel operational stability and growth.

  • Maximized revenue potential with a compelling program narrative and case for support.

  • Advanced care of 14K+ objects by improving collections management and conservation.

  • Delivered major exhibitions and public art initiatives that boosted visibility and tourism.

  • Led a brand identity refresh to better connect with target audiences and solidify positioning.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | Santa Cruz, CA | 2020–2024
Executive Director. Served as chief executive of a progressive, interdisciplinary community museum with a $2.5M operating budget. Shaped initiatives encompassing exhibitions and festivals, education and outreach, a permanent collection and archive, and the management and activation of multiple historic sites, public spaces, and commercial and retail properties. Key achievements included:

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

  • Deepened relationships and collaboration. Promoted inclusive practices and people-centered strategies across 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 maintained a six-figure pipeline of prospects; drove 45% average year-over-year growth in individual giving while overhauling annual fund initiatives, increasing revenue, donor acquisition and retention, and size and number of gifts; restructured operations for efficiency; retired long-term loan debt; and ensured fiscal solvency through the pandemic.

Park City Municipal Corporation | Park City, UT | 2019–2020
Arts & Culture Development Advisor. Served as planning advisor for the Park City Arts and Culture District, a proposed $65M mixed-use development created with Park City, Kimball Art Center, and Sundance Institute. Advisory areas included program design, governance, management and operations, and communications.

Breckenridge Creative Arts | Breckenridge, CO | 2014–2019
President & CEO. Served as founding president and chief executive for a new nonprofit developed by the Town of Breckenridge with a $3M operating budget. Built organizational infrastructure and oversaw a diverse slate of civic programs, arts venues, and a municipal public art collection. Key achievements included:

  • 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 a new $10M Breckenridge Arts District campus; designed an artist residency program focused on social and environmental impact; and introduced a broader, more coherent public art strategy.

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

  • Developed organizational capacity and capabilities. Established and implemented the foundational infrastructure of a start-up nonprofit; incorporated the organization; defined vision, mission, and values; developed bylaws and a 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 municipal commitment to provide an annual $2M+ operating grant; increased earned revenue by 200% within two years; implemented two multi-year strategic plans; built 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. Served as chief executive for an annual multi-arts festival presented in association with the City of Ann Arbor and University of Michigan with a $1.5M operating budget. Curated and produced a three-week season integrating performing, visual, and literary disciplines. Key achievements included:

  • 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 delivered 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 more than 100 scheduled events each season at venues and spaces across the city to over 75K people annually.

  • Renewed identity. Implemented a brand overhaul and integrated marketing effort to build greater visibility for the organization; revitalized the sponsorship program; and increased 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. Served as a member of the senior management team for a multi-venue complex for arts, sciences, and humanities with a $7M operating budget. Provided administrative, financial, and operational oversight for this core member group. Key achievements included: led project planning and creative development; directed subscription and single-ticket campaigns; established a comprehensive fundraising program; and managed resource allocation, investment reporting, and internal controls.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts |  Saint Paul, MN | 1997–2001
Programming Manager. Served as a member of the management team for the state’s largest performing arts center with a $14M operating budget. Planned and organized activities ranging from Broadway tours to music, dance, and family entertainment. Key achievements included: identified and booked artists and productions; negotiated fees and deal structures; created show estimates; ensured contract execution and fulfillment; managed artist and management relations; and oversaw event settlements.

For self-produced and original productions, key achievements included: assisted with casting, talent acquisition, and negotiating 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 boards, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders

  • Skilled in people management, organizational culture, and change leadership

  • Politically savvy; comfortable navigating broad-based constituencies

  • Deep commitment to inclusive practices and impactful community building

  • Strategic, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative

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