I am an experienced CEO, a non-profit executive who can help you focus on leadership by executing some of the tasks critical to achieving your board’s vision – such as researching and writing grants that make sense for your business goals, or supervising your communication plan that makes your vision the center of conversation. I have award-winning success, having participated in the design, rejuvenation, restoration, activation or construction of 22+ performing arts venues in over 30 years of arts leadership. I can help you complete your project on time and on budget. https://www.LanceOlsonAssociates.com

Spruce Peak Arts presents artists from around the world and right next door. Learn about the Olson VT Artists Series at http://bit.ly/2xOdQur The Arts Center Foundation is a key partner in the cultural mosaic of rural north central Vermont. It is committed to helping Vermonters understand their cultural core, celebrate together, share their dreams with each other, and grow by meeting and experiencing the special visions of exceptional artists. The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat flexibly-configured venue in a rural village of 4,500, opened in 2010 but quickly struggled with mission and finding its unique identity. Since I accepted leadership we have accomplished these things. • Committed to supporting events that grow out of and thereby create community joy and celebration. • Defined an appropriate service mission and planned outcomes. • Rebuilt a sustainable programming portfolio recognizing institutional capacity. • With consultant support, assessed the community capacity for philanthropic and sponsorship support, including building capacity and recapitalization. • Expanded the board and refocused, from construction to activation and fundraising. • Rebranded programming clusters to reflect the guest experience, and integrated partnership events with at-risk presentations. • Partnered with regional peers to present leadership school-time programs, festivals, and mutual fundraising events. • Lead the creation in 2014 of the Stowe Arts and Culture Council, to coordinate efforts of the local cultural community. • Re-staffed to create a sustainable institutional structure.

As a consultant, developed capital campaign strategy and language surrounding construction of a five-venue portfolio of performance spaces in the heart of Cambridge's Kendall Square that will transform authentic performance for the next century and make greater Boston an international leader in cultural expression.

As part of senior leadership team, operate and program six downtown Boston venues, including two historic theatres, that are community centers and economic drivers for the Boston Historic Theatre District. ArtsEmerson brings to New England extraordinary productions from all over the world, provides performing "homes" for exceptional Boston arts producers and presenters, and enriches the cultural life of New England. ArtsEmerson energizes the field with multi-year residencies engaging young and visionary international artists in dialogue with New England artists as well as Emerson faculty and students.

With executive director and board, retired deficit and created working capital exceeding 12 months of expenses. That allowed fundamental organizational reenvisioning and change.

Co-founder and executive director of Rutgers SummerFest, over 100 events during June and July. Programming, marketing for longest running classical concert series in NJ, University Concert Series. Programmed in ten venues around New Brunswick.

Several roles culminating is programming and marketing director for 2,800-seat historic theater and grand ballroom seating 300 at tables.

Transformed service theatre for college and student activities into a multi-disciplinary presenting organization. Revitalized facilities, introduced technology, restructured campus-wide events support.

Edward Villella, Artistic Director. * Helped clear up a 6-figure unplanned deficit * Restructured annual, national tour of The Nutcracker Ballet * Re-envisioned company management processes for Manhattan-Long Island operations.

Dance Theatre of Harlem; Nikolais Dance Theatre; Dance/Black America; Improvisational Arts Ensembles, Inc.