Francie B. Cohen Email & Phone Number

United States

Castle & Critter Care is a in home pet and house sitting enterpriseOversaw business operations from conception through launch for concierge-level pet and house-sitting services Created high levels of returning clients by providing outstanding customer service Grew business solely through “word of mouth” referrals from satisfied clients

Carmel, Indiana, United States

Oversee logistics, execution, and follow-through for all client events Develop and coordinate action plans for each event, ensuring accuracy and consistency among team members Serve as on-site venue liaison and consultant between vendors, internal staff, and clients to deliver exceptional events across campus. Maintain and enter accurate records of all services, layouts, logistical details, equipment and personnel in venue management software programs Collaborate with vendors to ensure appropriate services and equipment are delivered on-time Respond to potential client inquiries, schedule tours, and oversee final client walk-throughs to ensure satisfaction Compile event quotes, create invoices, document sales payments, and prepare final settlements Coordinate with internal event teams to accommodate last minute changes or requests

Indianapolis, Indiana Area

Lead project manager for acquisition of city, state, and federal Women Business Enterprise certifications Administrative duties included obtaining military contracts, staff scheduling, project scheduling, budgeting, accounts payable, and negotiating national vendor contracts Arranged and coordinated domestic and international travel and lodging accommodations

Indianapolis, Indiana

Opening operations manager of new construction, Leed Certified Silver venueImplemented facility design, ticketing system, staff hiring and development, created an art gallery, and other duties when brought on six months prior to opening Scheduled building calendars and logistics for all dance, music, and theater performances, visual arts, design exhibits, lectures, resident companies, and national acts Managed day-to-day logistics of physical plant and building systems (HVAC), food and beverage, catering, and outside vendors Promoted shows, events, and performances by creating and running social media accounts Led contract negotiations and development from pre-production through event Developed, maintained, and disbursed a master calendar utilizing EMS software, established policies and procedures, and protocols for facility rental

Phoenix, Arizona Area

The MIM is a new unique museum celebrating global music diversity through the history of musical instruments via collections, high tech displays, hands on galleries and through live presentations in their musical theaterCreated theatre and front of house public policies, internal practices and procedures, event and rental agreements, top-down personnel structure, volunteer coordination, and staff training manuals

Mesa, Az

Managed a 213,000 square foot performing and visual arts facility on a seven-acre campus with four theaters, galleries, outdoor performance areas, education buildings, and conference areas Maintained operations and maintenance budget of $2.2 million Led acquisition of numerous capital purchase and construction projects including: $250,000 outdoor electronic sign marquees, $20,000 repair of main lobby elevators, $120,000 installation of new stage floor, and $250,000 Line Array Coordinated hiring, training, scheduling, and supervision of administrative, operational, and theatre personnel

Flint, Mi

A department of the Flint Cultural Center Corporation; promoting cultural in the community through performing arts, planetarium, museum and youth theater facilities and programsNegotiated and administered contracts and budget for maintenance, operational equipment, custodial services, security services, caterers, concessionaires, merchandise, artists, and rental agreements Maintained calendar scheduling, central event liaison and coordination for all user groupsReestablished positive business and working relationship with outsourced custodial vendorNegotiated new three year custodial contract with real cost savings and increased servicesProcured trade out arrangements for maintenance and repair work with local contractorsCreated new marketing and booking campaign to attract new outside promoters and renters. In first year contracted with eight new regional and national promoters achieving a 20% increase in revenue Directed administrative, operational and technical theatre personnelSupervised and restructured front of house program utilizing community business relationship outreach programs and volunteer organization Developed systems, policies and procedures concerning patron safety, volunteer and staff recruitment and retention. Created policy and training manual for volunteer and part time staff with incentive structure Devised new budget and event cost practice for technical theatre department to more closely track actual building cost per event. Acquired training for technical staff to effectively use systemStreamlined event cost estimating procedures and communication to assist programming department, promoters and local resident groupsServed as member of negotiation team with I.A.T.S.A.E Local 201 in new three year contractAnalyzed and determined inefficiencies in food and beverage services and raised profits by 10%

Butler University, Indianapolis, In

Managed operation and events of a 2,000-seat performing arts centerIdentified budgetary redundancies while demonstrating need for full time technical audio staffEnhanced custodial services, resulting in cleaner facilities and enhanced event set-up/tear-down

Austin, Tx

Major university PAC with seven performing arts venues, ranging from 3,000-seat auditorium to 700-seat recital hall. Provided event services for 350+ events annually, with a presenting season and resident companiesServed as department manager for events, technical, catering and security areas. Advanced and coordinated all aspects of administrative and technical support for touring Broadway, pop, regional resident companies, national and international conferences, professional meetings as well as student and major university eventsIntroduced software system for advancing technical riders in determining event feasibilityExpanded events office to include full time personnel to provide enhanced professional customer serviceAs principle contact with artist and management, serviced contract obligations and enhanced relationsSuccessfully collaborated with numerous departments and board of directors on presenting Broadway tour of “Phantom of the Opera” eight week run including numerous auxiliary gala and fundraising eventsServed as venue liaison with Warner Brothers Pictures filming “Miss Congeniality" and to HBO, Inc in filming comedy specials in various venues and spaces

Charlotte, North Carolina Area

A 2,400+ seat nationally acclaimed performing-arts center that presented world-class artists. Multiple spaces utilized by five resident companies, numerous local productions, professional meetings and special eventsManaged extremely active technical departments, guest services, concessions, merchandise and securityunits hosting over 300+ events per year with goal of providing seamless event planning servicesComplete responsibility of event planning and technical advancing, organizing and implementation of all programs and performances within the centerEvent manager working with local and non-profit groups in creation and development of new events Supervision of scheduling, Front of House staff, customer service training for 150 volunteer usher corp.Budget development and analysis; personnel scheduling; event settlements and the interfacing with all of the Center's departments and local user groupsPoint contact person with artist and management in providing contractual requirementsProject managed analysis of food and beverage remaining “in-house” or moving to external vendor

Coral Springs, Fl

The City Center is a non-profit, multi-purpose complex including a 1500 seat auditorium, educational building with dance and arts studio, sports facility, meeting rooms and outdoor amphitheater. Highly responsible administrative and managerial position involved with implementing the broad and specialized programs of the City Center, a city owned facility Created turnkey event planning services to increase revenues and provide excellent customer serviceIdentified and corrected facility structure issues relating to audience safetyDeveloped new format to facilitate growth in outside rental revenueAdministered extensive budget implementation and analysisActed as center liaison with all city departmentsWorked closely with user groups in developing new outdoor festivals

Certificate, Public Venue & Program Management

B.A., Arts Administration