Experience

Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Feb 2022 - Present

  The Academy has a rich history of connecting people to powerful ideas, inspiring thought and action in Wisconsin. I am excited to build on and expand the Academy's role, engaging and learning from insightful individuals and communities across the state. Following the intense challenges of the past couple years, there is new urgency to understand and question the cultural and personal issues of our time. The Academy is able to provide meaningful experiences that illuminate contemporary and timeless issues, while considering how to better amplify the ideas and voices of a spectrum of thinkers and artists in Wisconsin. The Academy strives to create a better world by connecting Wisconsin people and ideas. This is done by showcasing contemporary Wisconsin art at the James Watrous Gallery, examines science and culture in Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine, and explores pathways to a sustainable future through the Wisconsin Strategy Initiatives. The Academy Courses and public talks provide opportunities for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. The excellence of writers is celebrated through annual Fiction & Poetry Awards and through support of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate.



Firecracker Consulting, LLC

• President

  • Jan 2012 - Present

  Firecracker Consulting helps clients strengthen relationships, improve connections and build value in their communities. I work with organizations to develop clear branding, targeted messaging, authentic public relations, strategic social media and interactive community engagement. I focus my work on organizations, political candidates and individuals who work to improve life in their community. Firecracker Consulting helps clients strengthen relationships, improve connections and build value in their communities. I work with organizations to develop clear branding, targeted messaging, authentic public relations, strategic social media and interactive community engagement. I focus my work on organizations, political candidates and individuals who work to improve life in their community.



Reverb Art Collective, producer Forge art exhibition and the art project Where Are You Going?

• Artist and Co-Founder

  • Jan 2013 - Present

  Co-Organized and Co-Curated Forge art exhibition, June 2017 Forge is an art exhibition featuring the work of over a dozen Madison-area artists, who will create installations inspired by the history of the Madison Brass Works building (214 Waubesa. Madison WI), its workers, and the elements involved in the transfigurations that took place on this site. It will speak to the continuation of this space’s important role in our community, in it’s new form. Co-developed Public Art and Community Engagement project, June 2013 The Where Are You Going? project will engaged people across Madison, provided an opportunity for them to consider and their individual journey, as well as to contemplate the paths of others in our community. This community art project explored the journeys, motivations and destinations of a community as expressed through their own words. City of Madison BLINK Temporary Art Grant received, pending Permits http://www.whereryougoing.org



Wisconsin Department of Justice

• United States
• Government Administration
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Division Administrator, Division of Management Services

  • Nov 2019 - Feb 2022



Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement

  • Aug 2018 - Nov 2019

• Director of Communications

  • Apr 2013 - Aug 2018

  I create opportunities for people to experience, exchange ideas about, and enhance their knowledge of modern and contemporary art.The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a nonprofit, independent organization that exists to exhibit, collect, preserve, and interpret modern and contemporary art.



National Center for Media Engagement

• United States
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • Sep 2011 - Dec 2012

  I am excited to join and support public broadcasters in having a real, lasting and positive impact on their communities. By utilizing my strategic, communications and branding expertise to help stations and producers engage their communities, I am strengthening the industry and communities across the country. I am excited to join and support public broadcasters in having a real, lasting and positive impact on their communities. By utilizing my strategic, communications and branding expertise to help stations and producers engage their communities, I am strengthening the industry and communities across the country.



Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

• Communications Director

  • Mar 2009 - Aug 2011

  As a key member of the Department of Children and Families Executive Team, I played a strategic and leadership role in helping improve life for Wisconsin children and families. I was responsible for high level external and internal communications of the Department of Children and Families. This included launching and leading the DCF Branding Initiative; message strategy and creation, including oversight and creation of talking points and speeches; lead on crisis communications and serving as spokesperson; directing media relations; overseeing communications vehicles such as the DCF website, intranet and newsletter; and management of the communications team. I established partnerships and build connections to better engage with and serve Wisconsin families.



NCO

• Community Engagement Manager

  • Feb 2008 - Feb 2009

  I work to strengthen public broadcasting by helping stations and producers better connect with and engage their community. I work to strengthen public broadcasting by helping stations and producers better connect with and engage their community.



United Way of Dane County

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Communications and Community Engagement

  • 2006 - Feb 2008

  I conceived and led key activities to involve community, generate dialogue and improve awareness.

• Director of Marketing

  • 2003 - 2006

  I directed and oversaw branding, marketing strategy and communication vehicles. I strengthened the relationships between United Way of Dane County with people and organizations in Dane County.



Illinois State Medical Society

• Director

  • 1998 - 2002



Pozor Magazine

• Editor

  • 1994 - 1995