Accomplishments: One of my proudest accomplishments here was working on our innovative holiday swapping policy which supports the diversity of our staff by allowing them to celebrate the holidays that are meaningful to them.Another is redesigning our performance evaluation process into one that promotes ongoing feedback conversations.Developed and formalized a comprehensive onboarding process that helps employees get up to speed quickly, understand the history of the organization, and start building meaningful relationships with their colleagues.Presented on two different Nonprofit Coordinating Committee Nonprofit Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Panels. NYLPI was a 2010 Bronze winner of the Nonprofit Excellence Award and the first legal organization ever to win the award.How I got here: I was in search of a more financially stable nonprofit and I wasn't sure I would be able to find that on the performing arts side. After much soul-searching, I found this position with an organization that does disability rights work. I had worked with children with disabilities all through high school and was thrilled to be able to support that work here. I work directly with the Executive Director and my first E.D. here encouraged me to really focus on human resources. He connected me to other human resources professionals and encouraged us to support each other and participate in professional organizations like SHRM and HRPANO. I was able to study and get certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Sadly, I was really able to put all of this experience to full use when this E.D. died suddenly and the organization grieved. While grieving myself, I helped the staff and the organization through the complicated transition. We are now in a forward looking position and I continue to contribute to NYLPI"s positive and supportive culture.

How I got here: After feeling disconnected from the work at the rehearsal studios and foreseeing the upcoming dissolution of the partnership which pulled the dance companies focus away from their own companies, I went in search of a performing arts company. The Acting Company is a touring theater company that was started by Margot Harley and John Houseman to keep the first graduating class of Juilliard's drama division together. I helped Margot run the business of the nonprofit, including overseeing everything related to human resources. I participated in our union negotiations for the contract that our actors worked under. I started to really see the effect of culture and performance management on retention. Working with a performing arts company during a period where arts funding was difficult was stressful, especially when I needed to make sure everyone got paid. I had a child and started to dream of earlier hours and life in the suburbs.Interesting turn of events: I found the work/life balance that I was looking for with a children's touring theater company in New Jersey. They created a new General Manager position but, after only a few months, they realized that they couldn't financially continue that new position and we mutually agreed to part ways. I immediately contacted Margot, who took me back as a project manager while I looked for my next position.

How I got here: When our General Manager left, I was promoted. American Ballet Theater and The Feld Ballet had formed a partnership and bought the building, known as 890, from Michael Bennett. My job was to run the partnership company, which involved overseeing the rehearsal studios, the building, and the spaces occupied by the dance companies and the other theater and dance support businesses including a scenic designer, a costume shop, a shoemaker, and a hatmaker. This taught me a lot about relationships and viewing those relationships from both sides to be able to suggest solutions that address both parties' needs. I also got exposure to big picture thinking and making long term plans for the company. This included have full charge of everything related to human resources. I also handled all of the major projects, including working with Loews Movie Theater to turn out ground floor space into a multi-screen movie theater. I worked with the construction company during the renovations. I also got to see how thinking creatively turned the financial position of the building onto a more positive footing.

How I got here: After working for a few years as a union stagehand, I moved to New York. I was interested in finding a job with a regular paycheck as freelancing was too monetarily fluctuating for me. With my theater background, I got a job running the 13 Broadway rehearsal studios that Michael Bennett started. It was my first exposure to running a business and providing customer service. It was also my first chance to work with strong personalities. I also supervised the building's union super and elevator operators from Local 32B-J. I did payroll weekly and learned the importance of getting payroll right the first time. I also helped streamline the booking of the rehearsal studios by helping a consultant design and perfect a customized computer booking program.