Speaker Bios

Christin Baker
Founder & CEO
Tello Films, LLC, Nashville, TN

Christin Baker is an award-winning director and Emmy nominated producer. She is the co-founder of TelloFilms.com, a streaming platform, which focuses on stories for the lesbian/queer community. Tello is the first lesbian/queer company to receive an Emmy Nomination and is the longest running LGBTQ streaming platform. Christin is also passionate about directing and was awarded Best Director for her work on Maybelle at the 2016 London Raindance Film Festival. Christin is a member of the Producers Guild of America as well as the Television Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. A prolific director, Christin has written and directed 4 Lesbian/Queer Holiday RomComs and a limited series called "Scare BNB".

Petey Balestrieri
Cinema Manager
Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee, WI

Petey Balestrieri is the Cinema Manager of the Oriental Theatre, overseeing the general operation of the historic 1920s movie palace. He has been involved with Milwaukee Film since 2015.

Andrea Brundis
Practice Leader
PGAV Architects, Westwood, KS

Andrea Brundis, Practice Leader with PGAV Architects in Westwood, KS, was the lead interior designer on the Folly Theater's 2022 renovations. Andrea is an NCIDQ certified interior designer with 10 years of experience. With keen attention to detail and aesthetics, Andrea leads PGAV's interior design practice to plan and design compelling environments that are mission-focused, brand-centric, and welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. Her work includes the renovation, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historic properties and the design of performing arts theaters, hotels, conference centers, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. Other historic renovation projects include: the Truman State University theater, KU Medical Center auditorium and reflection center, and the Kansas State University library and great room. Andrea received her Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from Kansas State University.

Robert Bull, Jr.
President
The Compass Group, Alexandria, VA

Robert Bull, Jr. serves as president of Compass Group, bringing to the leadership team more than 25 years of expertise and commitment to fundraising excellence. As president, Robert guides the company's exceptional consulting services while driving Compass Group's strategic growth and development. Robert is a positive change agent, taking a values-driven approach to the evolving world of philanthropy and the mission-based institutions for which Compass Group engages. He has been involved with LHAT for 4+ years and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He presented at the 2019 conference in Philadelphia and was the Keynote speaker for LHAT's virtual conference in 2020. His presentations always get rave reviews!

Willa Burke
Vice President of Theatre Operations
Jujamcyn Theaters, New York, NY

Willa Burke is Vice President of Theatre Operations overseeing five Broadway theaters, whose productions include Tony Award winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Hadestown, Kinky Boots, Springsteen on Broadway, and The Book of Mormon. She is a theatre manager and operations expert with a 10+ year record of creating incredible experiences for employees, show partners, and patrons. A strong administrative professional skilled in Union Management, Budgeting, Hospitality Management, and Payroll, Willa thrives on creating collaborative work environments that drive excellence. She holds a BA - Arts Administration from Fordham University The third-largest theatre owner on Broadway, Jujamcyn owns five of the 41 Broadway district playhouses.

Shane E. Burkett
Director of Strategic Marketing
Agile Ticketing Solutions, LLC, Hermitage, TN

Shane E. Burkett has worked in public and media relations for an array of business and organization types, retail, professional, entertainment, and even political positioning, for nearly 30 years, contributing to the success of Fortune100 companies like Xerox Corporation (XBS), Gabriel Ride Control, Ford Motor Company, and Dollar General Corporation. Moreover, he serves as the Director of Strategic Marketing at Agile Ticketing Solutions overseeing all marketing, communications, public relations, and brand positioning efforts. Shane is passionate about preserving and maintaining institutional historic theaters, cinemas, and art houses. He serves on the board of directors for the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT.org). He has been a featured speaker and hosted numerous workshops and seminars at LHAT, Art House Convergence, and INTIX. Additionally, he is a managing partner at Burkett & Associates, LLC, a communication, brand strategies, and public relations firm serving political figures and legal agencies throughout North America. Burkett & Associates, LLC is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jennifer L. Carlson
Executive Director
Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

Jennifer L. Carlson, a leader with experience in historic preservation, fundraising, and the arts, is the Executive Director of the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 120th year in 2023, the Colonial Theatre facility houses the original 658 seat, 1903 theatre auditorium as well as two additional theatres. The 175-seat White Rabbit Theatre and the luxe 68-seat Berry Theatre are both constructed inside the remodeled interior of the neighboring 1925 National Bank of Phoenixville building. The Colonial Theatre is best known for its appearance in the 1958 Sci-Fi movie, The Blob, which is commemorated each year at Blobfest, drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe.

Jen Davel
Vice President and Midwest Regional Director
Heritage Consulting Group, Milwaukee, WI

Jen Davel is the Vice President and Midwest Regional Director for the Heritage Consulting Group. She joined Heritage Consulting Group in 2021. Heritage advises owners and developers of older and historic buildings through the development process, helping them secure federal, state, and local incentives. Jen is responsible for business development and the management of Heritage's projects in the Midwest region. Prior to joining Heritage, Jen worked in the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as Deputy SHPO and Tax Credit Reviewer. Prior to working with SHPO Jen worked for Strang Architects where she oversaw the Mineral Point Opera House restoration. Jen received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and a Master of Architecture with a certificate in Preservation Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

James DeFord
Film Program Manager
Tampa Theatre, Tampa, FL

James DeFord is the Film Program Manager at Tampa Theatre, a 1,200-seat historic movie palace in downtown Tampa, Florida. James is primarily responsible for overseeing the Theatre's cinema program, being a public advocate for the importance of cinema and the moviegoing experience, curating classic film series and collaborating with the Theatre's incredible film booker to bring unique, essential first-run movies to the community. A third-generation Tampa native, James studied creative writing and philosophy at the University of Florida before returning home and taking a part-time job at the Theatre. Over his sixteen-year career there, he has worked in nearly every department, starting as a ticket-taker and progressing through roles as development coordinator, box office manager, and manager of marketing and community relations.

Christine Delaney
Executive Director
Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater, MI

Christine Delaney is the executive director of the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, the nonprofit that owns and operates the Tibbits Opera House, built in 1882. She has held the position since 2001, though her history with Tibbits extends more than 30 years, giving her a thorough understanding of the progress and growth of the theatre operations as well as an in-depth appreciation for its restoration journey. She oversees the administration, daily operations, general fundraising, grant writing, and programming. Under her leadership (to date) $4.3 million has been raised and invested in the restoration of the historic theatre. She served as owner representative through two major construction projects including the $1.2 million award-winning transformation of the theatre's French Second Empire façade. Tibbits Opera House is a 500-seat theatre located in the rural community of Coldwater, Michigan. With a county population of only 44,000, Tibbits is the only fully equipped theatre and professional arts organization in the county. The programming includes self-produced professional summer stock as well as a children's theatre program, professional touring artists, live performance programming for area schools, an art gallery and visual arts events, and a classic film series. The theatre is also a rental facility for approximately 20 area organizations and schools. In 2017 the theatre was occupied 257 days with 92 events. Originally from Detroit, Christine moved to Coldwater to work at Tibbits assisting with marketing and publicity. She then worked for a commercial printer for many years helping area businesses with their printing and marketing needs before becoming Tibbits Executive Director. Christine graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management with an emphasis in marketing and written communications.

Michael DiBlasi, ASTC, IALD
Partner
Schuler Shook Theatre Planners, Minneapolis, MN

Michael DiBlasi, ASTC, IALD principal theatre planner and lighting designer at Schuler Shook, began his career in technical theatre design, which is the basis for his theatre consulting and architectural lighting designs. His hands-on understanding of performance venue requirements, including technical, functional, and aesthetic issues, provides an invaluable resource to the design of theatre facilities. Michael's background includes lighting design for live performance, retail developments, exhibits and museums, entertainment facilities, restaurants, hotels, offices, nightclubs, and exterior building facades. Custom fixture design, innovative control systems and effective exterior lighting have been successful elements in his projects.

Rebecca Durante, LEED AP, NCIDQ, IIDA
Principal
Wilson Butler Architects, Boston, MA

Rebecca Durante, LEED AP, NCIDQ, IIDA is the lead interior designer and principal at Wilson Butler Architects (WBA), a Boston firm dedicated to architecture for the arts and entertainment, she has completed the design for award winning interiors and intricately detailed historic theater restorations, including the Altria and Carpenter Theaters in Richmond, VA. She is NCIDQ certified, has a BFA in Interior Design from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University, and more than 16 years of experience working in the industry.

Steven Ehrenberg
Principal
Eberg Stage Solutions, New York, NY

Steven Ehrenberg is the principal and owner of Eberg Stage Solutions, a firm involved in both consulting on and managing a variety of live performance productions, theatrical building renovations and new theatre construction. Until recently Steven was the Director of Production, Kings Theatre, Brooklyn; Director of Technical Production Ambassador Theatre Group, North America. Before assuming duties as Director of production at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn Eight years ago, Steven had also served as the Vice President of Technical Supervision at Live Nation theatrical and the Vice President of Technical Production at Base Entertainment. Steven has been involved in renovation and building projects including The Colonial Theatre, Boston, The Hudson Theatre, The Kings Theatre, The Boston Opera House, The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, The Theatres at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Theatres on the Kotai Strip in Macau, The Phantom Las Vegas Theatre, The Jersey Boys theatre in the Palazzo, The Venetian Showroom, The Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Showroom, and many other theatrical and music projects and productions.

Jon Elbaum
Executive Director
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY

Jon Elbaum was named Executive Director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in 2011. Prior to that he served as General Manager of the Bridge View Center in Iowa and Executive Director of the Ames Performing Arts Center in Burnsville, MN. The Music Hall presents more than seventy performances annually ranging from free community concerts to internationally known touring artists such as Elvis Costello, Chris Botti, Indigo Girls, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, and many more.

Lena Dau-Ping Fan, RA, AIA
Associate Principal
Kostow Greenwood Architects, New York, NY

Lena Dau-Ping Fan, RA, AIA Associate Principal, joined Kostow Greenwood in 2012. Lena worked during her academic career from firms that focused on designing recreational buildings and hospitals to firms specializing in luxury residential and hotels. Her passion for architecture is to provide inclusive, well-designed, and exciting environments. Key projects at KGA include the expansion of The Shubert Organization's historic Broadway James Earl Jones Theatre; the expansion of the iconic Apollo Theater into the Apollo Performing Arts Center, and broadcast studios for CNN in NYC. Bachelor of Design, Minor in Business from University of Florida, Master of Architecture from Columbia University.

Rosemary Gill
President/CEO
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford, MA

Rosemary Gill President/CEO, has been leading the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center since 2013 and served as Assistant Director and Director of Education for seven years prior to that. Rosemary is committed to leading an organization dedicated to inclusive and equitable practices working toward a future where everyone feels welcome. She is responsible for developing programming, managing a diverse and effective operating team, and for cultivating relationships with regional and local leaders to advance the organization's mission, vision, and long-term strategic goals.

David Glowacki
Chief Production Officer
Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, IN

David Glowacki is the Chief Production Officer for the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has professional experience as an administrator, manager, designer, technician, and performer and has worked in presenting, producing, touring, and educational environments. He is a longtime member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), serving as their Safety & Health Commissioner from 2011-2017, and is currently the USITT Representative to the OSHA Alliance Program and serving the USITT-Ohio Valley Section as their Safety Training Coordinator. Dave regularly presents sessions at USITT National and Regional events and is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. Whenever he can, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, he's an avid cyclist, and perfecting his skills as a coffee and bourbon snob.

Jennifer Goeke
Lead Architect/Project Manager
PGAV Architects, Westwood, KS

Jennifer Goeke is a Lead Architect/Project Manager at PGAV Architects in Westwood, KS. She was the lead architect on the Folly Theater's 2022 renovations. With 30 years of experience, Jennifer specializes in the management of complex projects, including the renovation, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historical buildings. Jennifer leads integrated teams on the creation of extraordinary and engaging places. Putting her clients' vision and needs first, Jennifer collaborates with her teams to ensure concept designs all the way through to the smallest details are thoughtfully considered and executed and client expectations exceeded. Other historic renovation projects include: Kansas State University's Hale Library and Farrell Library/Great Room, the historic Kansas state office building, and the Independence, Missouri, tourism and museums master plan. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas.

Evan Goetz
Executive Director
Tybee Post Theater, Tybee Island, GA

Evan Goetz is Executive Director of the historic Tybee Post Theater on Tybee Island, GA. The Tybee Post Theater is a presenting venue that hosts over 150 events per year. Events include first-run movies, concerts, theater, comedy, and dance. Evan has held previous positions at the City of Rock Hill (Arts Marketing Manager), Blumenthal Performing Arts (Broadway Marketing Manager), and Armstrong State University (Arts Marketing Manager). Evan's believes that an innovative and collaborative approach to promoting and advancing the arts start with the mission and the desire to make that mission accessible.

Jeff Greene, AIC-PA
Executive Chairman and Founder
EverGreene Architectural Arts, Brooklyn, NY

Jeff Greene, AIC-PA is an artist, innovator, and the Executive Chairman and Founder of EverGreene Architectural Arts. His interests in history, public art and mankind's use of ornament fueled his creation of a company devoted to the preservation of architectural legacy in communities throughout the nation. Under Jeff's guidance, EverGreene has grown from the small painting studio it was in 1978, to one of the leading specialty contractors in the United States. Jeff earned his BFA at the Art Institute of Chicago and received a Fresco Scholarship to the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture. He has spearheaded EverGreene's large-scale conservation, restoration, and new design work on national treasures such as the Chrysler Building, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Capitol Building, and King's Theatre.

William Hamilton
Co-owner
Hamilton Creative

William Hamilton co-owner of Hamilton Creative, is a problem solver in creative marketing outreach. With a diverse background in film, graphic design, education, and fire engineering, he brings a unique approach to building interpersonal relationships between clients and their target audience. Hamilton Creative offers a highly collaborative approach to project management and accessibility, providing services in email marketing, graphic design, videography, social media management, blog and content writing, and creative marketing locally and nationwide. Hamilton is a husband, father of three, and enjoys life and fine sushi.

Becky Hancock
Executive Director
Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, Knoxville, TN

Becky Hancock has over 20 years' experience in the performing arts and nonprofit sectors. As Executive Director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, she oversees all Theatre activity, serves as the public face of the organization, and works with the HTTF Board of Directors to preserve and maintain this important community asset and Official State Theatre of Tennessee. The Tennessee Theatre is active 220 days annually, presenting 40 touring concerts, 6 Broadway titles, 10 classic films, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Knoxville Opera, and numerous community and private events each year. In 2005, the Theatre completed a $30 million comprehensive renovation and has since entertained more than 2.4 million patrons and helped revitalize downtown Knoxville.

Kristen Heller
Chief Operating Officer
Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee, WI

Kristen Heller is the Chief Operating Officer at Milwaukee Film. In addition to overseeing the daily operation of the Oriental Theatre and Milwaukee Film programs, she has been the organization's lead for all construction projects. Kristen began working for the Milwaukee Film Festival seasonally in 2011, and in 2013, joined the year-round staff.

Laura Hoffman
Project Manager
McCownGordon Construction, Kansas City, MO

Laura Hoffman is a Project Manager with McCownGordon Construction in Kansas City. She served as the construction Project Manager on the 2022 Folly Theater renovations. Laura is involved in the day-to-day coordination with the client and design team, overseeing the process to deliver the project on time and within budget. Laura's management style is disciplined, well-organized and consistent. Laura builds trust and rapport with her teams, adhering to proactive communication, and is continually seen as a leader through the clients' eyes. In addition to the Folly renovations, with 11 years of experience, Laura has been a key team member in leading projects including the historic 21C Museum Hotel (KC), a 1-million square foot warehouse facility for a multinational technology company, corporate headquarters, and multiple K-12 additions and renovations.

Marta Johns
Senior Interior Designer
DLR Group, Cleveland, OH

Marta Johns is a Senior Interior Designer at DLR Group who brings 18 years of experience to her projects and clients. Marta is a leader of DLR Group's interiors team for cultural and performing arts work and has a depth of experience working on historic theatres. Her passion is working with clients to develop a narrative that pulls from and honors the history of an organization, connects to the community, and provides direction for design. Marta has lead projects for Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Sandusky State Theatre, the Paramount Theatre in Austin, New Granada Theatre in Pittsburgh, and the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte.

Darrelle Johnson
Vice President, People & Culture (HR)
Jujamcyn, New York, NY

Darrelle Johnson, VP, People & Culture (HR) of Jujamcyn, helps oversee five Broadway theaters, whose productions include Tony Award winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Hadestown, Kinky Boots, Springsteen on Broadway, and The Book of Mormon. Throughout her career, Darrelle has successfully championed large-scale luxury and full-service hotel conversions, airline catering takeover and devised size-able cultural Human Resource transformations in South Florida, Chicago, and New York City. She has also been charged with Talent & Leadership Development, inspiring team members to realize their full potential. While she excels at the strategic aspects of her career, what she enjoys the most about being a People & Culture Leader is the opportunity to connect with team members at all levels of the organization. She goes to extraordinary lengths to develop personal connections with everyone from the C-suite to the front-line teams and takes pride in her ability to align these stakeholders to achieve company objectives.

Maica Jordan
Chief Development Officer
Austin Theatre Alliance, Austin, TX

Maica Jordan is the Chief Development Officer at the Austin Theatre Alliance and manages two departments, Development and Education. She has been with the Alliance as member of the Executive Management Team and in a leadership role for more than sixteen years. Under her guidance, the organization has grown from a small/medium sized nonprofit generating just under a million in contributed revenue, to a medium/large organization producing 4 million in contributed revenue. In addition to her Development and Education Department responsibilities, Maica has played a critical role in the strategic planning process that has grown the Austin Theatre Alliance into a $15 million gross revenue organization. She, alongside the senior leadership team, stewards the preservation, maintenance and care of these two historic gems in Austin and finds sharing them and their magic with the community a recurring highlight of her career.

Justin Karr
Vice President, Ticketing & Technology
Jujamcyn, New York, NY

Justin Karr has led ticketing technology for Jujamcyn Theaters from multiple positions for more than 14 years and has been an adjunct professor at Columbia University of the Arts for over 6 years. At Columbia Justin co-teaches a graduate course in ticketing, sales, and business analytics, covering ticketing operations, pricing, revenue management, analysis techniques and related topics.

Gary A. Li, RA, AIA, LEED Green Associate
Associate
Kostow Greenwood Architects, New York, NY

Gary A. Li, RA, AIA, LEED Green Associate joined the Kostow Greenwood team in 2017 and became an Associate in 2021. He specializes in the cultural, sustainable development, and creative workplace sectors, with specific expertise in design, planning, and detailing. He thrives on understanding the complexities and minutiae of each project to create innovative solutions for each individual project.

Steve Lurie
Founder and President
Music Without Borders, LLC®, Stamford, CT

Steve Lurie is founder and President of Music Without Borders, LLC®, a music business solutions company primarily focused on the concert industry. MWB presents and produces concerts in NYC, throughout the Northeast and US for numerous performing arts centers, clubs, festivals, charity events and private/corporate functions. With nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry, Lurie's expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of music and artists combined with a keen understanding of consumer tastes, have helped him create a niche for himself as a much sought-after specialist. As a concert presenter and producer, Lurie has presented over 7,000 concerts in most genres of live entertainment. Collectively, MWB has presented over 10,000 concerts. Lurie enjoys excellent relationships with all the major and boutique agencies in North America and Europe. With an unrivaled knowledge of the music business, he has helped turn around many arts organizations.

Keith Marston
Vice President of Facilities
The Shubert Organization, Inc, New York, NY

Keith Marston, VP of Facilities, The Shubert Organization, Inc, oversees all aspects of day-to-day maintenance and operations including the custodial and engineering departments and painting and maintenance crews. He is involved in working with city agencies and professional architects and engineers. He is the chief liaison for incoming production requirements into 17 Broadway theatres and half a dozen Off-Broadway theatres, and coordinates restoration schedules for the same theatres post-production. He works with adjacent construction and development teams in the Times Square area, as well as with Shubert's real estate and legal departments to secure optimum conditions and protections for productions either loading-in, loading-out, or running, and he works closely with house mangers to address each theatre's needs.

Randy McKay
President & CEO
Carolina Theatre of Durham, Durham, NC

Randy McKay is President & CEO of the nonprofit Carolina Theatre of Durham and principal consultant with Randy McKay Venue Consulting. With a background in show & venue management, he has run numerous venues from huge to intimate, rural to city-center, performing arts centers to movie theaters, including restoring and opening three abandoned historic theaters. He is passionate about the economic development power of the arts and is a frequent guest speaker on the topic. Concessions optimization is his favorite guilty pleasure.

Nicole Downing Merusi
Vice President of Strategic Advancement
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford, MA

Nicole Downing Merusi, Vice President of Strategic Advancement, joined the Zeiterion as Development Director in 2014 and has been overseeing all aspects of fund development for the Zeiterion ever since. Now as the VP of Strategic Advancement, Nicole is helping to shape a new vision for The Z as it embarks on an ambitious restoration and renovation effort that will transform the way the performing arts center serves the community. With more than fifteen years of nonprofit leadership experience, Nicole brings insights from a wide range of mission-driven organizations.

Amy Mladjen, IIDA, NCIDQ
Principal
Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC, Princeton, NJ

Amy Mladjen, IIDA, NCIDQ leads Mills + Schnoering Architects' interior design practice, managing projects through all phases of design and construction and guiding treatment of interior architecture for many civic, institutional, and cultural projects. Her specialized knowledge is applied to the planning and design of interior environments that promote health, safety and welfare while supporting and enhancing the human experience. She has expertise in designing within historic contexts, is committed to solutions that are beautiful and functional, and is adept at planning projects to best serve end users.

Elizabeth Morales
Compliance Assistance Specialist, Kansas City Area Office
DOL-OSHA, Kansas City, MO

Elizabeth 'Liz' Morales is a compliance assistance specialist at the Kansas City area office of DOL-OSHA in Kansas City, MO.

Aren Murray
US Operations Manager
Tixly, San Antonio, TX

Aren Murray has been in arts administration and ticketing since 2000. Aren managed the arts and entertainment ticketing for Texas A&M University and was recruited from there to create the ticketing and fundraising CRM operations for Tobin Center in San Antonio as they opened the newly renovated historic building. As an avid promoter of the ticketing industry, and international speaker, Aren has espoused the ideals of communication, learning, and cooperation throughout organizations. Aren is currently the US Operations Manager for Tixly.

Christina Novotny
Counsel
BakerHostetler LLP, Cleveland, OH

Christina Novotny is Counsel in the Cleveland office of BakerHostetler LLP, a national law firm which is nationally recognized in the tax credit financing industry. She has been practicing law for more than 15 years. Prior to attending law school, Christina was a CPA and worked at two of the former Big Five accounting firms. She has extensive experience in the structuring and financing of projects looking to benefit from historic tax credits, new markets tax credits and opportunity zone financing.

Ted Ohl
Principal
Schuler Shook, New York, NY

Ted Ohl is a principal at Schuler Shook and has had an extensive career in the theatre industry. His experience includes theatre equipment construction and renovation projects at some of North America's most prestigious venues. Ted brings his collaborative approach to performing arts facility design and construction, built upon his years of experience growing businesses and developing products that serve the entertainment industry. This practice is combined with over fifteen years devoted to mounting productions on every variety of stage.

Andy Ostrowski
Theatrical Renovation Project Manager
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA

Andy Ostrowski is the Theatrical Renovation Project Manager for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. He has worked for the Trust on and off over the past 30 years as a consultant, lighting designer, and house technician. Andy started full time right before the Greer Cabaret Theater renovation project started. He is in charge of working with DLR directly on the project but also specifically all aspects theatrically. Andy has extensive credits as a lighting designer. Internationally he has designed in France, Sweden, Scotland, and Ireland. Nationally he designed all over the US. He originated the lighting for the National High School Musical Theater Awards in NYC. Andy was an adjunct instructor for Point Park University for 21 years teaching lighting I,II,III. He has lit private concerts with notated stars Audra McDonald, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Megan Hilty, Michael Feinstein, The Broadway Tenors and more. He has designed over 400 professional productions and is a member of USA 829 and IATSE #3.

Fritz P. Owen
Regional Sales Manager
Irwin Seating Company, Grand Rapids, MI

Fritz P. Owen, Regional Sales Manager with Irwin Seating Company, has over 25 years of experience servicing performing arts centers and theaters, schools, sports facilities, and worship centers with fixed seating, telescopic bleachers, and platforms.

Krystal Parsons
Director of Development
Paramount & Stateside Theatres, Austin, TX

Krystal Parsons serves as the Director of Development at the Paramount & Stateside Theatres in Austin, TX. She leads a team of creative fundraisers working collaboratively to raise $4.5 million annually. Before starting her role in 2019, she worked as the Director of Individual Giving at the theatres overseeing membership programs, special campaigns, and annual fund development. Parsons served as a College Houses board member, bringing affordable housing options to over 500 people. She also participates in the community-centric fundraising movement to help advance equitable fundraising models. As co-chair for a citywide arts group for the past seven years, she plans professional and social development opportunities to create better arts experiences for patrons and work environments for employees.

Chris Parthemore
Executive Director
Sandusky State Theatre, Sandusky, OH

Chris Parthemore has served as the executive director of the Sandusky State Theatre for six years, after having served on its Board of Directors for five years prior. He earned a BE in Sport Management and his MBA from Bowling Green State University. His background includes public gaming and healthcare administration prior to his career in the arts. He specializes in strategic planning and organizational development.

Maureen M. Patton
Executive Director
The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galviston, TX

Maureen M. Patton is the Executive Director of The Grand 1894 Opera House and oversees its administration, programming, and fundraising. Mrs. Patton is a past president of the Board of the League of Historic American Theatres. A frequent panelist and speaker at arts conferences and an advocate for the historic theatre movement, Mrs. Patton has served as a management and programming consultant on fifteen theatre projects in four states. During the past eight years, she has been asked to serve as a lecturer and/or panelist on disaster preparedness and recovery at national, regional and area conferences.

Nick Ronan
Senior Director of Business Development
AudienceView, Seattle, WA

Nick Ronan is the senior director of business development at AudienceView in Seattle, Washington.

Wynn J. Salisch, CCM, CHS, MBKS
Principal and Founder
Casablanca Payments, New York, NY

Wynn J. Salisch, CCM, CHS, MBKS, has over 50 years of experience in the worlds of leisure entertainment, payment processing, and cybersecurity. The Principal and founder of Casablanca Payments, America's only theatre-focused payment processing firm, Wynn was awarded the Electronic Transactions Association's Certified Payments Professional designation for knowledge, professionalism, ethics, and excellence in the payments profession (earned by less than 1% of the entire payments industry) and is a Partner on the Electronic Crimes Task Force of the United States Secret Service. He's a graduate of The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, a Certified Concessions Manager of the National Association of Concessionaires, and has overseen operations for over 1,000 stage, screen, and stadium venues worldwide.

Michael R. Schnoering, FAIA
Partner
Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC, Princeton, NJ

Michael R. Schnoering, FAIA is a partner at Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC in Princeton, NJ. Michael leads the design and management of many of the firm's arts, educational, and civic projects. His work encompasses a wide variety of innovative new and adaptive use designs involving public and private entertainment, lecture, education, and administrative spaces. He has guided award-winning renovation projects in theaters on the national stage and completed successful projects at several well-known historic downtown theaters. Michael's experience with projects for the arts extends to his volunteer service. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance (NJTA), and the Cultural Access Network of NJ (CAN), and recently stepped down as a board member of the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) following 9 years of service. He has shared his knowledge on theater planning, design, and accessibility, and advocates for increased access in all locations beyond the minimum code requirements. His passion for access in the arts has led to multiple speaking engagements at national LHAT conferences as well as regional training events for the Cultural Access Network. Michael holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and is a Registered Architect in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, and Colorado. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Kevin Schulz
Regional Sales Manager
Irwin Seating Company, Grand Rapids, MI

Kevin Schulz, Regional Sales Manager with Irwin Seating Company, has two years of experience servicing performing arts centers and theaters, schools, sports facilities, and worship centers with fixed seating, telescopic bleachers, and platforms.

Dee Smolik
Principal
Plymouth Soundings, LLC, Lenoir City, TN

Dee Smolik, Principal of Plymouth Soundings, LLC, has been the tax credit coordinator for several of LHAT's member theatres wishing to access the benefits of historic and new markets tax credits. Dee has closed over $400 million in projects to date. Dee was a member of the LHAT Board for six years and served as Treasurer and head of the Audit Committee. She was also honored by being named a Board Emeritus member for five years.

Ken Stein
President and CEO
League of Historic American Theatres, Austin, TX

Ken Stein became the League's President and CEO in 2012 following a thorough national search. He is the former Executive Director of the Austin Theatre Alliance, and more recently, Vice President at the AT&T Center in Dallas. Upon his hiring, Ken said, "When I left the Paramount and State Theatres, it was with a very heavy heart, but I knew I would eventually find my way back to the historic theatre movement, a cause I am very passionate about." Many League members are familiar with Stein from his presentations at the Annual League Conferences in Cleveland and San Antonio. Stein has worked with several non-profits over the past 20 years. He began his career in the for-profit sector with Humana Inc. where he spent five years as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Since entering the non-profit arena, Stein has raised over $100 million for local, regional, and national non-profit organizations. His accomplishments with special events and online fundraising have been featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The NonProfit Times, InternetWeek.com, Business Week Online and Direct Marketing News. In 2008, Stein was recognized for his use of social media platforms by Fast Company Magazine which listed him as one of the most influential people on the internet during the 2008 elections. His writing has been positively reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, The Washington Post and Atlantic Monthly Magazine. Stein lives in Austin, Texas with his husband and daughter where he serves on the Board for KMFA Classical Radio and continues to volunteer for the Paramount and State.

Richard Steward
CEO
Agile Ticketing Solutions, Nashville, TN

Richard Steward is the CEO of Agile Ticketing Solutions and has contributed to the success of an array of hospitality, public-attractions, entertainment, and cinema-related organizations over the past 25 years. His expertise in creating innovative technological solutions that blend ticketing processes, relationship management, and financial accountability has revolutionized the way venues operate today. With a deep understanding of industry dynamics and emerging trends, Richard has successfully led Agile Ticketing Solutions to becoming the premier provider of cutting-edge ticketing systems for historic venues. His visionary leadership, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional results has positioned the company at the forefront of the arthouse and historic theatre industry.

Alec Stoll, ASTC
Partner
Stages Consultants, Highland Park, NJ

Alec Stoll, ASTC is internationally respected as a theatre planner and designer and has worked as a theatre consultant for nearly 25 years. Alec has played integral roles in the programming, planning, design, and construction of well over 300 academic, professional and community venues as well as many significant historic renovation and restoration projects. Alec was a member of the LHAT board of directors for six years.

Kevin Sullivan
Client Executive
National Trust Insurance Services (NTIS), Baltimore, MD

Kevin Sullivan is a Client Executive in the National Trust Insurance Services (NTIS) division of Baltimore-based insurance agency Maury, Donnelly & Parr. NTIS is a joint venture between MDP and the National Trust for Historic Preservation which was formed in 2003 to meet the challenging insurance issues facing historic properties across this Country. In short, NTIS is a specialized insurance broker, consultant, and program administrator specifically created for the owners and stewards of historically prominent buildings (and the organizations that operate within). NTIS operates in all 50 States.

Alexander J. Szilvas
Partner
BakerHostetler LLP, Cleveland, OH

Alexander J. Szilvas is a Partner in the Cleveland office of BakerHostetler LLP, a national law firm which is nationally recognized in the tax credit financing industry. He has been practicing law for more than 35 years and is co-leader of the firm's Tax Credit Finance & Economic Development Incentives team. He has extensive experience in the structuring and financing of projects looking to benefit from historic tax credits, new markets tax credits and other federal and state subsidies.

Jeanne S. Tebera, PE, CFPS
Principal
Henry Adams, LLC, Baltimore, MD

Jeanne S. Tebera, PE, CFPS is a Principal of Henry Adams, LLC, in Baltimore, MD. Jeanne is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist who brings more than 30 years of experience to the design of historic, cultural, performing arts, commercial, hospitality, and academic facilities. Her experience includes the design of building systems for elevators as well as fire protection, normal, standby, emergency and life safety power distribution systems, site utilities, lightning protection, lighting, lighting controls, security, and communications systems. Jeanne is a graduate of Loyola University in Maryland. She is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres, the National Fire Protection Association, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, the Automatic Fire Alarm Association, and the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

Rick Truman
Executive Director
Folly Theater, Kansas City, MO

Rick Truman has served as Folly Theater Executive Director since January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Rick served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater.

Erin Waelder
Associate Director of Donor Communications
Paramount & Stateside Theatres, Austin, TX

Erin Waelder is the Associate Director of Donor Communications at the Paramount & Stateside Theatres in Austin, TX. She re-joined the Paramount staff in 2017 and works as a member of the Development and Marketing teams to manage annual fund campaigns, donor stewardship communications, and special content across the organization's platforms. Erin has over a decade of experience in fundraising and patron services through her previous positions at Ballet Austin, the Paramount & Stateside Theatres, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Erin serves as the Chair of the Community Advisory Board at Austin PBS. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections to the community through storytelling.

Carol Wallace
President & CEO
San Diego Theatres, San Diego, CA

Carol Wallace is the president and CEO of San Diego Theatres, Inc. (SDT), a nonprofit that manages, operates, and markets the San Diego Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre under long-term leases with the City of San Diego. The Civic and the Balboa are the performing homes of Broadway/San Diego, the San Diego Opera, and Golden State Ballet. With an annual budget of approximately $8.1 million, San Diego Theatres welcomes over 500,000 patrons annually to the theater venues. SDT partners with presenters and artists to ensure the community has access to performing arts that are inclusive, thought-provoking, and entertaining. Previously, Wallace served as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, where she led the bayside facility for nearly 25 years. In her nearly 45-year career, Wallace has earned a reputation as a top industry executive, working for the Dallas Convention Center and the Colorado Convention Center. When she came to San Diego in 1991, she played a pivotal leadership role convincing key constituents to expand the San Diego Convention Center, resulting in an expansion opening in 2001. Wallace's hard work and dedication have earned her numerous industry accolades and appointments.

Brian Williams
Development Director
Folly Theater, Kansas City, MO

Brian Williams has served as the Folly's development director since January 2015. He has had primary responsibility for the design, development, and fundraising for the Folly 2020 Campaign since its inception in 2017. He has also been actively involved in the oversight and management of design and construction phases of the theater renovations. Before joining the Folly, Brian practiced commercial litigation at a large Kansas City law firm for over 30 years. Over the course of his career, he has served on two dozen nonprofit boards, fundraising committees, and grant review committees. Brian received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and his JD from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

Sean Wright
Executive Director
Performing Arts Foundation, Wausau, WI

Sean Wright came to the Performing Arts Foundation in January 2015 as the Executive Director of the organization. In a short time, he has continued to build on The Grand's commitment to providing the best in the performing arts for the region, as well as expanding the venue's community and patron engagement initiatives.