My approach is unique

BIOGRAPHY + PROGRAMMATIC HISTORY

My experience in the arts and education industry extends over 15 years. Recognized as a female business leader and strategist and curator of ideas, spaces, and talent, I have helped transform organizations and programs through high-impact experiences and strategic realignment, using big thinking and mission-driven decision-making as a way to increase audiences, build profile, and strengthen support.

Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Wausau Conservatory of Music (WCM) in Wausau, Wisconsin. In this role, I provide management expertise in the areas of program development, financial planning, fundraising, operations, marketing, and music. As a professionally trained cellist and Executive of the organization, I serve as the primary spokesperson for WCM, identifying opportunities and connecting people, programs, and places.

In addition to leading WCM, I volunteer at several nonprofit organizations throughout the county, serving as a treasurer and as a committee member. Organizations I’ve volunteered with include Impact100 Greater Wausau, Summit County Preschool, Students for Music at UW-Oshkosh, and Summit Music and Arts. This volunteer work and leadership have led me to be the recipient of the 2022 Young Athena Award.

As the Executive Director of the Wausau Conservatory of Music, I lead many ambitious initiatives that include launching new early-education programs for low-income children, a county-wide orchestra program for 200+ string orchestra students free of charge, leading initiatives in equity, diversity, and inclusivity, all while increasing the profile of the Conservatory within the community. During my time with the Conservatory, I not only brought the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, but brought the company back to a 6-year high in revenue, contributed revenue and enrollments, creating cash reserves of 120+ operating days. This is the first time the organization had operating reserves in its history.

Before my position at the Conservatory, I was the Operations and Education Director at Breckenridge Music in Breckenridge, Colorado. In this position, I worked with the Executive and Artistic Director in curating, planning, and executing a number of orchestral and national touring artist presentations and performances, many of which were considered new and experimental works. In addition to this work, I created and launched the first annual KidFest, inviting over 400 kids to the Breckenridge Arts Campus for a day with free multi-disciplinary activities. This event culminated in a performance of The Mountain that Loved a Bird written and approved by Eric Carl, with composition by Pulitzer Prize Winner, Caroline Shaw. This work, originally commissioned by Carnegie Hall, was the second-ever public performance. As an added benefit, I worked directly with Caroline Shaw to arrange for her to work in person with our orchestra and attend the live performance.

In addition to working with the classically-based music festival, overseeing the programming and operations, I previously worked as the festival as the Talent Buyer and manager of the Blue River Series. This series presented national touring artists. A sample of artists booked and presented include Trombone Shorty, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Trampled by Turtles, Aaron Neville, Emmanuel Ax, Chris Botti, and Post Modern Jukebox.

With a taste for blurring the boundaries of high art, popular culture, and broad public entertainment, I bring a passion for multidisciplinary art, education, and high-impact change for communities. I have also worked as the Director of Educator Programs at the Keystone Science School, refining my knowledge and skill in experiential education, and worked as the Programs Assistant at Seven Days of Opening Nights at Florida State University, focusing on operations and contract execution. During this time I worked with notable artists such as The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Vienna Choir Boys, Blind Boys of Alabama, Davis Sedaris, and Margaret Atwood, to name a few. I have a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Arts Administration from Florida State University.

"Olivia is a well-organized, highly competent, enthusiastic colleague who is unflappable in the face of pressure and quick with a solution in the face of a problem. " Steve MacQueen, Artistic Director, Flynn Performing Arts Center