Jill Simpson Email & Phone Number

Oklahoma City, Ok

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

I was re-hired to continue work on the development of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office. My work included website development to include an on-line production directory and locations gallery. I collaborated on the creation of guidelines and forms that will be the framework for administering the Oklahoma City Film Incentive. Additionally, I provided support to the local production industry. On September 13, the Oklahoma City City Council voted to approve creation of the new office.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

I was hired as a consult to research and provide recommendations for expanding the company's advertising and digital animation capabilities and workforce pipeline. I studied company's business model and growth plan while strategizing on best available state and local incentives to support company growth and diversity. I am most proud of accomplishing the following:• I Identified workforce development and training opportunities to empower a skill development initiative.• I Interfaced with area non-profit and technical training instructors to analyze their programs and identify internship and on-the-job training options.• I created prioritized list of incentive programs.• I provided final report in February 2022 detailing findings and recommendations. The first adopted recommendation was the creation of a work/study program offered through Cristo Rey, a local non-profit Catholic high school serving an underrepresented community. Starting with the Spring 2022 semester, this project allows 4 high-school students to be hired and trained on-the-job for positions with Cristo Rey with Cristo Rey covering transportation and fringe benefits on a contract basis.

Oklahoma City, Ok

The Greater OKC Chamber invited me to conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a new city film and music office. I organized online meetings to include city film and music commissioners and industry professionals around the country. I coordinated onsite meetings, tours, and listening sessions with over 60 current and potential industry partners. I researched latest software platforms to support film and music industries. Performed research on competitor websites and what other cities were doing to promote these industries. During my tenure I am most proud of accomplishing the following:• I held discussions with industry stakeholders, city business leaders, and economists to assess needs and strategize on solutions.• I met with faculty and toured local area campuses offering related curriculum best suited for workforce development.• I delivered my final report in October 12, 2021. My findings included: an overview of current industry trends; inventory of existing resources and venues in Oklahoma City; a list of elements needed for future growth; snapshot of what other jurisdictions such as Atlanta, GA currently offer; recommended services for an Oklahoma City office; a three-year proposed budget; recommended staffing requirements; job descriptions and a rollout timeline. • The Chamber CEO later invited me to present my findings and recommendations to the Executive Committee of the Chamber Board of Directors, consisting of a roster of high-profile Oklahoma City corporate Chairmen and CEOs on Nov. 11, 2021. I was again later asked to present my findings and recommendations to the entire 50-member Chamber Board via a Zoom conference on January 13, 2022.

University Of Oklahoma, Norman, Ok

For the Society I performed as CEO and administrative officer of a 3K member non-profit international society of cinema and media studies scholars housed at the University of Oklahoma. I orchestrated day-to-day operations of the society. I supervised budgeting, annual audit, fiscal controls, and human resources to ensure financial solvency and long-term viability of the organization. Interfaced with Board of Directors, staff, and committee chairs to develop organizational, programming, and financial guidelines. I cultivated sponsors and donors for internal and external fundraising efforts. I aided board of directors and nominating committee to groom new board members and ensure compliance with society bylaws, best practices and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. Accomplishments during my service for the SCMS include:• I represented the SCMS to constituencies including the American Council of Learned Societies, the National Endowment of the Humanities, the broader educational community, the media, and the general public.• I coordinated with SCMS staff, board officers, freelance conference planning team, and committees in the planning of an annual spring conference that takes place in various cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. The five-day conference schedule consists of 475 scholarly panels, workshops, seminars, and special events.• Promoted and expanded diversity and inclusivity with the creation of a Native/Indigenous Caucus within the membership offering no-fee and step-down membership fees options to attract a vital new segment to the society.• Partnered with board president in planning and organization of tri-annual board meetings located in cities throughout Canada and the United States.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Spearheaded marketing of Oklahoma as location for film, television, and music projects. Devised strategic planning to revitalize state film incentives program, improved infrastructure and nurtured a self-sustaining industry in Oklahoma. Managed all aspects of the organization inclusive of annual operating budget, approval of all final incentive claims, creation of administrative guidelines and implementation of third-party CPA review process to verify fiscal responsibility of the claims for the state. Provided logistical support for productions once they were located in the state. Collaborated with economists in gathering and analyzing data to substantiate growth and economic impact of the industry to support sustaining and expanding the state incentives program. Encouraged adoption and enhancement of career technology curriculum at higher education facilities, and community engagement. Reported bi-monthly to the Oklahoma Tourism Commission and the Oklahoma Film & Music Advisory Board. I achieved the following:• Helmed 800% increase in annual production economic impact from 2006 through 2014, selling out the program from 2012 to 2014.• Guided creation and launch of the online Oklahoma Production Guide, a fully searchable website including crew, production services, support services, and a digital photo location library.• Directed building and launch of the online Oklahoma Music Guide, a fully searchable sister site including musicians, music venues, festivals, and support services.• Supervised creation and launch of Film Friendly Oklahoma, an initiative to provide training and ongoing guidance for communities to accommodate location filming, promote opportunities, and optimize economic impact for local area resources.• Partnered with the Oklahoma State Legislature to secure a $50M ten-year extension on the film rebate program lasting from 2014 through 2024, as well as shepherding of ten bills into state law.