Below are five (in no particular order) defining experiences that have shaped my career and the way I lead in both the arts and business worlds. Each represents a milestone that left a meaningful impact on the communities I served and the colleagues I collaborated with. These highlights offer only a glimpse into my journey, and I’d be glad to share more about any of them in conversation
1. Inc. 5000
(Office Manager)- Nychbrands
Nychbrands was recognized on Inc.’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America not once, not twice, but three times during my time with the company. Ranked #1,501 in 2020, #1,662 in 2022, and #2,020 in 2023. This prestigious ranking highlights the nation’s most rapidly expanding businesses and showcases the achievements of innovative, independently driven entrepreneurs.
2. Riverfront Park Concert Series
Programming Manager- Academy
I was part of the team that helped bring the Historic Academy Theatre back to life. This project transformed a long-dormant 1905-built theatre into a vibrant, restored performance venue. The theatre, originally closed in 1958 after decades of decline, reopened in December 2018 after years of hard work, fundraising, community support, grants, renovations, and endless hours of staff and board time. My role included coordinating efforts across departments to support the restoration process and helping ensure that the new facility would serve as a central arts and culture hub for the community. I worked on preserving the theatre’s historic character while integrating modern operational systems to support live performances, events, and community programming. By contributing to this project, from fundraising support to logistical coordination, I helped secure a renewed venue that anchors the Academy Center’s mission of strengthening arts access and cultural engagement in Lynchburg.
3. Academy Historic Theater
Programming Manager- Academy
During the restoration of the Historic Academy Theatre, I was part of the team that launched the Riverfront Park Summer Concert Series which was a strategic effort to prepare the Lynchburg community for the national touring acts that would soon arrive with the theatre’s reopening. We wanted the series to be both exciting and accessible, so we secured sponsorships that offset production costs and allowed us to offer $10 tickets while still presenting high-caliber touring artists. Over two summers, we brought major acts like George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors, Wynonna Judd, Naughty by Nature, Big Daddy Kane, and Arrested Development to Lynchburg’s riverfront. This initiative built momentum, broadened community engagement, and demonstrated the region’s enthusiasm for large-scale performances laying the groundwork for the Academy’s future as a premier performing arts destination.
4. Leadership Lynchburg
Leadership Fellow- Leadership Lynchburg Flagship Program
Through my participation with Leadership Lynchburg’s Flagship Program (a nine-month leadership training intensive for emerging managers and community leaders), I honed core leadership competencies including effective teamwork, project management, public speaking, consensus-building, and values-based decision making. I engaged collaboratively with fellow participants on real-world community issues, building strong regional connections and developing tangible leadership acumen. The program reinforced a leadership philosophy rooted in personal growth, influence, and meaningful impact, qualities that continue to inform how I approach organizational stewardship and community-centered work.
5. Arden Apprenticeship
Arden Professional Apprentice Class 22- Arden Theater Company
My experience in the Arden Professional Apprentice Program gave me a full-season, hands-on immersion into every area of nonprofit regional theatre operations. I rotated across front-of-house, box office, marketing, development, production, education, and administrative departments, gaining a clear understanding of how each function supports the artistic mission. Working alongside theatre professionals on live productions and day-to-day operations strengthened my adaptability, communication, and ability to manage shifting priorities. The program sharpened my administrative and problem-solving skills while reinforcing the balance between creative work and organizational discipline. Overall, it shaped me into a well-rounded arts professional with a strong foundation in both the artistic and operational sides of nonprofit theatre. Shout out APA Class 22!