Executive Director
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland
09/13 - 01/20
Provided innovative and strategic leadership for the performing arts through robust campus and community partnerships. With collaboration as a core operating tenant, works with university leadership, academics and student partners to advance the performing arts at the University of Maryland. Responsible for developing programs and partnerships that support and enhance the missions of the constituent academic, artistic and community partners at The Clarice. Provided Artistic Leadership for the Artist Partner Program which includes, the national and international Visiting Artist Series, NextNOW Fest, National Orchestral Institute + Festival, Satellite Arts Partnerships and Creation Residencies.
Artistic and Partnership Highlights
NEXTNOW FEST: Inaugurated (2014) a new multi-arts campus tradition that welcomes and welcomes back new and returning students with an interactive and participatory set of arts experiences. Student curators and marketers are mentored by and work alongside professional staff in the creation and implementation of this multi-day festival of creativity. Includes the commissioning of new work by Alumni artists in music composition, playwriting and choreography.
NATIONAL ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE + FESTIVAL: Assumed administrative and artistic oversight (2016) of a creative laboratory for the future of orchestras and musical innovation featuring the nation’s top musicians, 18-28. During the month-long festival of electrifying performances – from chamber recitals to full orchestra concerts, these young artists perform with commitment and prowess both at The Clarice and in our community. With a commitment to recording the work of American composers in partnership with Naxos, NOI+F was nominated for a Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance in 2018 conducted by David Alan Miller.
SATELLITE ARTS PARTNERSHIPS: Embedded in the commitment to be an active part of nurturing and sustaining the local arts ecology, Satellite Arts Partnerships underscore the importance of arts organizations (The Clarice) not only being present in the community through sustained partnerships and artistic experiences but going to audiences rather than insisting they come to us. Satellite Arts Partnerships include, NextLOOK, MilkBoy ArtHouse, Arte Vivo and Community Action People.
NEXTLOOK: Inaugurated (2014) partnership with Joe’s Movement Emporium to provide time, space and financial resources for local artists in music, theater and dance to create new work with a special emphasis on audience participation in the creative process.
MILKBOY ARTHOUSE: The only campus-community/public-private arts venue in the nation, MilkBoyArtHouse is a partnership based performing arts venue, restaurant and bar. Opened in May 2017 the venue includes a gallery/lounge, and two performance spaces (90 Cabaret; 300 flexible music space). As of 2020, ArtHouse is seeking a new restaurant/programming partner.
CREATION RESIDENCIES: Developed (2014) residencies that provide national and international artists time, space and technical expertise to develop new work at various points in the creative process.
COMMUNITY ACTION PEOPLE: Initiated (2016) a community consortium of arts, education, civic and social service organizations to come together to share and develop local resources in support of the arts.
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Directed focus to support Professional Development for UMD students; Access & Participation for underserved audiences; and Arts Citizenship that allows all to address and advocate for social impact through the arts.
ARTS CITIZENSHIP CELEBRATION: Inaugurated (2018) annual celebration recognizing campus and community partners, donors and volunteers.
TOMORROW TODAY INITIATIVE: Commitment to increase the representation and visibility of women, people of color and those not traditionally represented in “classical” music repertoire. Beginning in the 2020-21 season chamber, contemporary and orchestral programs will be presenting repertoire by no less that 50% women and people of color.
Management Highlights
BUDGET: Oversee an annual budget over $6.5 million. Producer Investor in Hadestown, multiple Tony Award winning Broadway musical, providing new independent income stream. Increased student fee support; first time in over 10 years.
PERSONNEL: Oversee or shared management of over 50 professional full-time staff. Updated goal and review process; updated job descriptions and staff development opportunities. Initiated with UMD Human Relations customized and comprehensive self-assessment with 98% staff participation rate. Staff diversity and leadership: increase people of color in leadership from 16% to 42% through promotions and new hires.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Create regular staff strategic planning retreats to explore organizational and programmatic direction, leadership development, communication; team building.
DONOR DEVELOPMENT: Led solicitation and completion of $10M gift to support creative programming initiatives, live streaming initiatives and scholarships. Led development of donor/friends group in support of the National Orchestral Institute+ Festival. In partnership leads fundraising efforts and priorities that support The Clarice.
FACILITY MANAGEMENT: In partnership develop a 10-year priority plan in maintenance, equipment replacement and upgrade. Renovated food and beverage spaces that support healthier options.
