About
I understand the tension from the inside
I've spent more than thirty years in the arts as a performer, conductor, and executive leader. That dual life, active performer and administrator, has given me a practical understanding of what's at stake. Artistic excellence requires discipline and vulnerability. Organizational health requires clarity and restraint. Leaders are asked to hold both.
I've worried about payroll. Managed board conflict. Written grants late at night. Felt the limits of tight budgets on ambitious programming. And asked whether this work is sustainable.
Leadership experience
For eight years, I served as Executive and Artistic Director of Tacoma Refugee Choir, founding and guiding a small start-up into a nationally recognized organization.
During that time, we:
• Raised more than $2 million in contributed revenue
• Performed for over 50,000 audience members
• Built measurable impact around belonging and resilience
• Successfully transitioned leadership to new leadership where they continue to thrive.
For this work, I was recognized with awards including:
• Chorus America’s Louis Botto Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• American Academy of Teachers of Singing Award for Inspiration and Inclusion
• Seattle Reign and Starbucks Legend Award
• 253 Magazine Person of the Year
• South Sound Magazine Women to Watch
• PBS Women to Admire
The growth came from clarity and understanding how our artistic work met the needs of the moment.
Academic and artistic work
I currently serve on the faculty at the University of Puget Sound, where I direct Puget Sound Singers, and I maintain a small private voice studio. My academic training includes an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute and a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Puget Sound.
Why this work matters to me
I've watched strong leaders quietly carry enormous pressure, and talented administrators question themselves as budgets tighten and boards grow anxious. Arts leaders are resourceful, used to solving problems internally and making things work with limited means. That strength is real, and it matters.
I want to help carry some of that weight.
Bio
Please click here for a formal bio.