Tara Poag Email & Phone Number

• As Lead Project Manager for Design/Build Exhibits, spearheaded projects, providing comprehensive oversight of all development, design, audiovisual (AV), graphic production, and fabrication firm teams. Managed teams ranging from 10 to 25 members, ensuring cohesion, collaboration, and adherence to project timelines and budget constraints• Provided end-to end project management by managing the entire project lifecycle, from initial content development and conceptualization to final installation. Utilized a hands-on approach to ensure seamless coordination between internal and external stakeholders, guaranteeing the successful execution of each project phase• Provided Long-term (5-6 years) coordination and Demonstrated expertise in coordinating long-term projects with budgets ranging from $1 million to $3.5 million. • Developed comprehensive work plans, schedules, and budgets for both internal and external firms, fostering effective collaboration and alignment throughout the project duration• Acted as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining open communication channels to address concerns, provide project updates, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle• Proactively identified and mitigated project risks, employing strategic planning and problem-solving skills to address challenges and minimize disruptions to project timelines and budgets• Implemented rigorous quality assurance processes to uphold the highest standards of excellence in exhibit development and curation, ensuring that each project delivered meets or exceeds client expectations• Facilitated effective collaboration and engagement among project stakeholders, including museum staff, designers, fabricators, and other key contributors, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment

Folcroft, Pennsylvania, United States

• Spearheaded the organizational vision and operations strategy• Implemented rigorous cost-control measures, resulting in scalable operations and a significant boost in cash flow• Orchestrated all facets of day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless functionality across departments• Provided leadership and supervision to a diverse team, including Administrators, Project Managers, Design Detailers, Fabricators, HR, and Accounting professionals• Served as the primary point of contact for clientele, nurturing enduring relationships with key customers, clients, partners, and shareholders• Directed financial operations and maintained accountability for profit and loss (P&L) management• Monitored and optimized management processes, project planning, schedules, budgets, expenditures, and fabrication to ensure timely project completion• Authored and negotiated contractual agreements in collaboration with company counsel• Played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction as a member of the 3-person Leadership Team

Folcroft, Pennsylvania, United States

• Managed all day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless functionality across all departments • Supervised and led a multidisciplinary team, including Administrators, Project Managers, Design Detailers, Fabricators, Financial Director, and Interim CFO• Established comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations and enhance efficiency• Designed and implemented a 401k plan, semi-annual bonus structure, and compensation framework to mitigate wage compression and incentivize employee performance• Led HR efforts, doubling staff and hiring over 35 new employees within a 2-month period• Oversaw financial operations, including profit and loss (P&L) management, budgeting, and financial analysis• Monitored all aspects of management, project planning, schedules, budgets, expenditures, and fabrication to ensure timely project completion and budget adherence• Negotiated contracts in collaboration with company counsel, ensuring favorable terms and legal compliance• Acted as the primary liaison with clients, ensuring smooth project execution and addressing any issues promptly• Developed the strategic plan as a key member of the 4-person Leadership Team

Philadelphia, Pa

• Oversaw the planning, development, design, installation, maintenance and execution of all in-house exhibits, totaling over 30 exhibits, including: Native American Voices: The People. Here and Now. (2014), Black Bodies in Propaganda: The Art of the War Poster (2013), Unearthing a Masterpiece: A Roman Mosaic from Lod, Israel (2013), Imagine Africa with the Penn Museum (3 Iterations 2011-2014), MAYA 2012: Lords of Time (2012)• Led, directed, and supervised Fabrication Department, AV Specialists, and Mount Making Team, serving as the primary point of contact for all direct reports• Created budgets and expense reports, meticulously tracking all costs and reconciling them against planned budgets to ensure financial accountability and project profitability• Developed and managed schedules for all projects, maintaining a master schedule for the department to ensure timely project delivery and resource optimization• Directed the fabrication of all exhibit elements, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project specifications• Led the installation team, implementing a Master Element List to track every exhibit component and facilitate efficient installation processes• Balanced multiple projects at various stages of planning and execution, advising on development and design of exhibitions to meet project objectives and timelines• Oversaw development and design of exhibitions• Facilitated multi-departmental coordination meetings throughout each project to streamline exhibit efforts museum-wide, ensuring alignment of goals and priorities• Managed and established vendor relationships, overseeing bid processes for Fabrication, Graphic Production, and other project-related services to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness

Medford, Nj

• As Head Content Developer, researched, developed, and wrote exhibition content outlines, labels, and text panels. • Managed multiple projects simultaneously at various stages of planning and execution. Oversaw project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure timely and successful completion of each exhibition• Worked closely with cross-functional teams including designers, curators, educators, and exhibit fabricators to bring exhibition concepts to life. Fostered collaborative relationships to ensure alignment of vision and execution• Clients included: Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at The Dallas Arboretum, Westchester Children’s Museum, Camden County Historical Society, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (now known as The Watershed Institute), Fredericksburg Virginia Visitor Center, and Hermitage in NJ

Greater Philadelphia Area

• As Head Content Developer, researched, developed, and wrote exhibition content outlines, labels, text panels, and educational programs. Utilized my expertise in storytelling and research to craft engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audience• Conducted thorough reviews of exhibition content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and adherence to museum standards. Implemented feedback from stakeholders and subject matter experts to enhance the overall visitor experience• Developed educational programs and materials to complement exhibition content and engage visitors of all ages. Designed interactive experiences and activities to deepen understanding and foster curiosity• Designed and implemented focus group questionnaires to gather feedback from visitors and evaluate the effectiveness of exhibition content and design. Used insights to make data-driven decisions and enhance future exhibitions• Clients included: The National Aquarium, Folkestone Marine Museum and Marine Park, and Discovery Place

Baltimore, Md

• Played a pivotal role in the design process of museum exhibits by providing valuable assistance to the exhibit design team. Collaborated closely with senior designers to conceptualize and develop exhibit layouts that optimized space and enhanced visitor experience for Rodin: Expression & Influence, American Modernism, Maryland Artists Equity Foundation, The Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize Finalists, The Art of Still Life, Printed Sculpture/Sculpture Printed, and the reinstallation of the Cone Wing• Provided hands-on support during the installation phase of museum exhibits, contributing to the seamless execution of exhibit plans. Assisted with the placement and arrangement of artworks, display cases, and interpretive materials, ensuring that each exhibit element was positioned to maximize visual impact and narrative coherence• Assisted in the production of exhibition labels, working closely with curators and content developers to ensure accuracy and clarity of information. Participated in the editing and proofreading process to finalize label content for display, adhering to museum standards and guidelines• Utilized drafting and design skills to create detailed floor plans for Printed Sculpture/Sculpture Printed. Translated conceptual ideas into practical layouts, incorporating considerations such as visitor flow, accessibility, and thematic cohesion. Collaborated with exhibit teams to iterate and refine floor plans to meet project objectives and spatial constraints• Engaged in collaborative projects with museum staff and fellow interns, contributing ideas and insights to enhance the overall quality and impact of museum exhibitions. • Gained valuable hands-on experience in museum exhibition design and production, honing skills in project management, communication, and creative problem-solving. Received mentorship and guidance from museum professionals, furthering understanding of museum operations and best practices in the field

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Area

• Curated, developed, designed, and installed monthly exhibits, both in-house and on-site. Conceptualized and executed innovative exhibition themes, selecting artwork to create compelling visual narratives and memorable experiences for visitors• Selected and contracted all incoming artists, fostering relationships with emerging and established talents to showcase their work in the gallery. Provided guidance and support to artists throughout the exhibition process, ensuring their artwork was presented in the best possible light• Managed all gallery and frame shop staff, leading 8-10 person teams with a focus on collaboration, professionalism, and excellence in customer service. Provided mentorship and training to team members, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development• Served as the main art handler for the restoration department, overseeing the careful handling, transportation, and installation of valuable artworks. Demonstrated expertise in handling a variety of mediums and ensuring the preservation of artwork integrity• Utilized copywriting and design skills to create advertising materials, press releases, and promotional collateral for gallery events and exhibitions. Implemented targeted marketing strategies to attract and retain a diverse customer base, including corporate and residential designers• Maintained relationships with existing customers, including designers in corporate and residential settings, to understand their needs and preferences. Provided personalized service and recommendations to enhance their art-buying experience and cultivate long-term loyalty• Successfully completed large-scale corporate installations on budget and on schedule, collaborating with clients to meet their specific aesthetic and logistical requirements. Managed project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships to ensure seamless execution and client satisfaction

Mfa, Museum Studies- Exhibition Planning & Design

Graduated with Academic Honors in Museum Studies: Exhibition Planning & Design. Received Richard C. Von Hess Grant, 2007.

Certificate, Essentials Of Management Program

Bfa, English; Writing Concentration, & Art

Activities and Societies: Muhlenberg Dancers, Muhlenberg Theater Association, Muhlenberg Hillel, Muhlenberg Hillel Board Member Dean's.

Study Abroad, English Literature (British And Commonwealth)

High School Diploma