Who I Am
I’m an arts and culture leader with a distinctive combination of credentials: a JD from Fordham University School of Law and an MFA in Theater Management and Producing from Columbia University School of the Arts, where I trained under some of the country’s most successful producers, managers, and administrators. This dual background—legal expertise paired with deep artistic training—gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing arts, culture, and entertainment organizations.
My career has spanned both nonprofit and commercial venues, from Broadway and Off-Broadway to regional, community, and youth theaters. I’ve worked as a producer, director, actor, designer, and stage manager, which means I understand organizations from every angle, not just the corner office. I’ve trained and worked with institutions including Manhattan Theatre Club, the Shubert Organization, and the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York. That training taught me how commercial and nonprofit theaters actually function: not just the theory, but the daily reality of making art happen.
Over 20 years in leadership roles, I’ve founded an organization from scratch, led another through the pandemic and a major capital campaign, and helped boards navigate complex strategic decisions. I practiced business and entertainment law for seven years before returning full-time to arts leadership in 2004. That legal training continues to inform how I approach contracts, risk management, and organizational governance.
My approach is straightforward: I listen carefully, assess honestly, and work collaboratively to build solutions that are both practical and ambitious. I’m a strong proponent of arts education and advocacy at all levels, and I believe arts and cultural organizations deserve leadership that understands their mission deeply while ensuring they have the infrastructure, resources, and strategies to thrive.
Track Record
Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts (2020-2024)
Led a historic arts center through the pandemic shutdown and its reopening. Directed a $3.5M capital campaign for major renovations while managing post-COVID recovery fundraising. Secured a Mass Cultural Council grant for the campaign, COVID relief funding, and two six-figure naming grants. Rebuilt the programming and revenue model with culturally diverse programming and a network of resident companies and partners. Managed integrated operations spanning performing arts, visual arts, education, marketing and press, and development across a 30,000 sq ft facility.
Co-Founder/Executive & Artistic Director, New Britain Youth Theater (2010-2020)
Built an award-winning youth theater from concept to “Connecticut’s Best Children’s Theater” (Connecticut Magazine, 2017). Served more than 10,000 children and teens over ten years through performance-based and educational programs. Established a sustainable business model encompassing artistic direction, financial management, marketing and press, fundraising, and staff development. Served as sole fundraiser for the full ten years, securing state, corporate, and foundation support, including LEGO Community Fund US, American Savings Foundation, TD Bank, and the CT Department of Economic and Community Development.
Consulting (2006-2020, 2024-Present)
Strategic consultant to organizations. Grant panelist for the Connecticut Office of the Arts. Seven-year Peer Advisor for the Connecticut Office of the Arts (Department of Economic and Community Development), providing guidance on grant applications, business planning, financial systems, and organizational development. Director of statewide advocacy for Connecticut Arts Alliance (2017-2020; now part of CT Humanities) and Connecticut State Advocacy Captain for Americans for the Arts. Project management for public arts programs and cultural district initiatives.
Attorney: Business and Entertainment Litigation (1997-2004)
Practiced in New York and Connecticut, specializing in business disputes, entertainment law, Constitutional law, and appellate writing and argument.
Earlier Career
Director of Production and Volunteer Relations, Warner Theatre (Torrington, CT). Training and work with Manhattan Theatre Club, Shubert Organization, Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, and various New York City theater companies.
Education
MFA, Theater Management and Producing | Columbia University School of the Arts
JD | Fordham University School of Law
BA, Spanish and Latin American Studies | Theater | College of the Holy Cross
Professional Service + Development
Charles River Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board Member (2024)
Watertown (MA) Cultural District Planning Committee (2020-2024)
Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (2023)
Americans for the Arts Annual Convention and National Arts Action Summit (2019-2022)
