RECEIVED
MAR 26 2024
Cathedral City CITY CLERK DEPT
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE APPLICATION
Commission/Board/Committee
Public Arts Commission
on which you would like to serve:
(One Application for each Commission/Board/Committee)
NAME: Gregory J Marks
HOME ADDRESS:
(Applicants must be a Registered Voter in Cathedral City) HOME PHONE: CELL PHONE:
E-mail ADDRESS:
18 months
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY IN CATHEDRAL CITY:_
Retired
IF EMPLOYED, PLEASE LIST WHERE YOU WORK AND POSITION YOU HOLD:
Uber Driver and LGBTQ+ Ride Driver
PLEASE ATTACH A LETTER OF INTEREST INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
• Why you wish to be considered for appointment to the Commission/Board/Committee • Your relevant experience and knowledge
The information provided will be used by the City Council as part of the application process and will be considered by the City Council upon receipt, provided a vacancy exists on the Board, Commission or Committee for which you have applied. If there is no vacancy, your application will be kept on file for one year for consideration should an opening occur.
Please keep in mind that State Law requires specific Commission/Board/Committee members to file a Financial Disclosure Statement.
Please return application to: City of Cathedral City
Office of the City Clerk
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Submit by email to: [email protected]
Thank you for your willingness to serve your local government and community.
March 25, 2024
Dear Cathedral City Council Members,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving as a member of the Public Arts Commission in Cathedral City. As an ardent advocate for the arts and a seasoned professional with a diverse background, I believe I can contribute significantly to the commission's mission of advancing performing and visual art within our community.
Allow me to highlight my qualifications:
* Performance Experience:
» Over the years, I have actively participated as a performer in various artistic endeavors. My passion for the stage has led me to collaborate with local theater groups, dance ensembles, and musical productions. I understand firsthand the transformative power of the arts and its ability to connect people across cultures.
• Arts Activism:
• As an arts activist, I have championed causes related to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. I firmly believe that art should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds. I have organized community events, workshops, and awareness campaigns to promote these values. i Fundraising Expertise:
• Fundraising is the lifeblood of any arts organization. Throughout my career, I have successfully secured grants, sponsorships, and donations to support various artistic initiatives. I am adept at creating compelling narratives that resonate with potential donors and sponsors. • Arts Administration:
• My experience as an arts administrator spans multiple disciplines, including visual arts, education, performance, music, and museums. I have overseen gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative projects. I understand the administrative intricacies involved in bringing artistic visions to life.
* National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Panelist:
• Serving as a panelist with the NEA Opera Panel has provided me with valuable insights into grant evaluation, artistic excellence, and community impact. I have evaluated grant proposals, attended panel discussions, and engaged in thoughtful deliberations with fellow experts.
I am a recent transplant (as of April 2023) to the Coachella Valley. I came from San Francisco where I worked extensively in its vibrant arts scene. I witnessed the City's rich cultural tapestry, from the iconic museums o the underground galleries, I had been immersed in the creative pulse of the Bay Area. My experiences there have shaped my commitment to fostering artistic growth.
I am passionate about enhancing our community's cultural landscape and ensuring that art remains an integral part of Cathedral City's identity. If appointed, I pledge to collaborate wholeheartedly with fellow commissioners, artists, and residents to promote public art, organize engaging events, and celebrate creativity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my expertise and enthusiasm to the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission.
Sincerely,
Grefy
Gregory J Marks
Gregory J. Marks
Performing Artist, Educator, and Senior Development Professional with 25 years directing and managing successful non profit organizations, departments, programs, and staff. Strategic and innovative leader committed to increasing exposure in the local community and the national reputation for various organizations.
Nationally recognized as a successful and innovative membership development professional. Committed to building world class arts organizations including the Exploratorium, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the San Francisco Opera. Built and mentored a team of volunteers and employees who were responsible for contributing to increased membership and national exposure for the organization.
Directed cross-functional teams of staff insuring proper and substantial stewardship of gifts and donations. Recognized as a trusted leader and executive from Board Members, Patrons, Donors, and Community Partners.
Fifteen plus years experience as a music educator in a community college setting and as owner of a private voice studio (The Mindful Vocal Coach.) Highly personable, creative and well-organized. Excellent writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Superior leadership skills in creating change. Mission- driven.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
California Pacific Medical Center Foundation (Sutter Health) Manager of Office Operations, February 2010 to August 2022 Under the direction of the President, I supervise four Development Associates by providing operational direction, load leveling and input on performances. Provides information on administrative updates, policies, guidelines and standard work processes. Organize and lead regular meetings with administrative staff. Participate in the Experience of Work committee and direct all activities: Coordinate with appropriate CMC facility management and staff and communicate all building needs and/or concerns including security, housekeeping, repairs, and parking and organize facility needs with appropriate internal foundation staff. Provide a wide range of complex administrative and project support and serve as the administrative point person for all development staff as they complete tasks delegated by the office of the President. Serve as the principal administrative contact representing the President to the Board of Trustees and to CMC Senior Management on all issues relating to the fundraising efforts of the Foundation. Along with the Executive Assistant to the Foundation President, fully coordinate committees of the Board of Trustees. Arranges meeting dates, prepare and meeting outcomes & action items. Manage all logistics for the weekly Solicitation Strategy meetings for the Development Team. development staff as directed.
Littler Mendelson, P.C.
National Program Manager-Procurement and Corporate Services, 2000-2008 I administered firm wide procurement and corporate services programs and projects for the San Francisco corporate headquarters. With over 700 attorneys, 300 + employees in 45 offices worldwide, Littler (www.littler.com) is the largest law firm in the United States practicing exclusively in employment and labor law. Managed the travel and expense program; cell phone, wireless air card, and iPhone account management; facilitated annual corporate report filings; executed annual renewal of commercial, general and professional liability insurance policies; managed firm wide operations programs including copiers, postage equipment, letterhead, and couriers; built and managed excellent relationships with external vendors.
San Francisco Opera Association
Development Services Director, 1999-2000
Directed and guided the development services division for an internationally recognized Opera company resulting in annual contributions > $23M during the 1999 opera season. Managed donor services team of five and monitored a $2.8M development department budget. As a member of the Development Management team that analyzed the programmatic needs and challenges of the 32-member development department. Led cross-functional team of Management Information Services, Human Resources, Facilities and Operations, Development, and Artistic Administration in creation of Donor Stewardship and Relations processes and procedure insuring efficient gift processing, stewardship, and donor recognition activities.
Accomplishments included:
Improved gift entry processes and procedures increasing operational efficiencies of gift and pledge accounting, reporting, and fulfillment.
• Established procedures and protocol for delivery of gifts of securities and determined special transfer arrangements. • Produced financial analysis of budget for quarterly reporting to donors, corporate, foundation, and government funders. • Generated and edited donor listings published in seasonal performance programs including the San Francisco Opera Magazine, and Annual Report insuring accurate stewardship of all gift giving. • Coached gift managers and directors on the use of monthly financial analysis as a planning and development tool.
GREGORY MARKS/ c: 415.606.4618 e: [email protected] Page 1 Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Membership & Special Events Manager, 1994-1999
Created, implemented and managed all aspects of the membership program at this multidisciplinary arts center in San Francisco presenting programs that represented the cultural diversity of the Bay Area. Managed a $250K budget. Led gift processing team of three and mentored a volunteer sales staff of 20.
Accomplishments included:
Created, implemented and managed on-site solicitation program throughout The Art of Star Wars exhibit resulting in 200 new members and $85K in contributed income during its ten-week run. • Developed concept and managed consultant activities on three direct mail campaigns resulting in new membership returning ranging from 1% to 2%.
• Led three-person team in implementation of Raiser's Edge for Windows donor gift tracking relational database.
Directed and designed creative and copy on four-pass renewal program resulting in 72% average renewal rate.
Executed all concept, copy and production on membership enrollment collateral. • Revitalized privileges and benefits structure of all membership, major donor and corporate funder categories. • Wrote and edited membership copy for Center for the Arts newsletters, magazines, and annual reports. • Led cross functional teams in production of all donor cultivation and opening night events that attracted attendance up to 3000 guests. Visual Arts Opening Parties recognized and rated by the "SF Bay Guardian" as Best Opening Night Events.
Exploratorium
Director of Membership, 1990- 1994
Created, implemented and managed Membership Program marketing plan at this world-class museum of art, science and human perception. Managed all annual membership campaign components, including on-site solicitation, direct response. Telefund, and four- pass renewal program.
Accomplishments included:
Increased membership enrollment and revenue by 60% over four years • Created and executed on-site solicitation program, and led implementation by visitor services team of 15 resulting in 2% capture of paid annual admissions.
• Developed concept, executed copy, managed logistics, facilitated list selection, and led team of in house graphic designers on eight direct mail campaigns, resulting in average retur rates of 1% to 2.5%. • Created and produced four annual donor recognition/cultivation events, raising awareness of the Exploratorium's educational mission resulting in increased attendance
• Supervised and mentored gift processing team in stewardship and gift fulfillment • Facilitated implementation of fundraising software application. - Blackbaud Raiser's Edge for Windows converting from a DOS based environment to a Windows based platform.
• Supervised volunteer membership sales staff of >15, resulting in average annual income of $25K.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Opera Panelist - national artistic appointment to the National Endowment for the Arts - 2010 Volunteer Information & Referral Specialist - San Francisco LGBT Community Center - 2008-2009 Private voice building studio - The Mindful Vocal Coach. - ongoing Adjunct Voice Instructor - Los Medanos Community College 1998 to 2004 First Tenor (AGMA/AFTRA position) - San Francisco Opera Chorus - twenty seasons
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Board of Directors - San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus - September 2013 to present Development Chair - Harvey Milk 2013: "Living the Legacy" special project for SF Gay Men's Chorus June 2013 Ambassador Chair - Soiree 10: Anniversary Celebration fundraiser for SF LGBT Community Center - 2012 Steering committee - Soiree 9: La Doice Vita fundraiser for SF LGBT Community Center - 201 Co-chair - Friends of the Center @ San Francisco LGBT Community Center - 2008, 2009, 2010 Board of Directors - Performing Arts Workshop - 2005 to 2011 Co-producer - Homecoming Brunch @ LGBT Community Center (May 2009 - raised $12K in funds) Board of Directors and VP of Membership - Bay Area Business Travel Association 2004 Board of Directors and VP of Development- Lawrence Pech Dance Company 2000 to 2004 Capital Campaign Committee - SF LGBT Community Center Project 1997 to 1999 Board of Directors - Pippins Pocket Opera 1996 to 1999
Board of Directors and VP of Membership - Digital Queers 1992 to 1996 Chairperson - Bay Area Membership Managers Association 1992 to 1995
EDUCATION
Master of Music in Voice, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music California Single Subject Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University Bachelor of Music Education, San Francisco, State University GREGORY MARKS/ c: 415.606.4618 e: [email protected] Page 2 Gregory Marks
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
OPERA
Amahl and the Night Visitors Caspar San Leandro Symphony Carmen Covington Civic Opera
The Consul Cinnabar Opera Theatel
The End of a World Madame Dobrovska Cinnabar Opera Theate L'Enfant et les Sortileges La Thiére & L'Arimetheque Berkeley Symphony Der Fliegende Holländer West Bay Opera
Madama Butterfly Marin Opera
The Magic Flute
Der Mond Cinnabar Opera Theate
Das Rheingold Cinnabar Opera Theate
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny Jack O Brien
Beppe
The Tales of Hoffman Frantz, Andres, Cochenille Cinnabar Opera Theate Turandot Pu Tin Pao San Francisco Opera
MUSICAL THEATER
And the World Goes Round Featured performer Studio ACT
Guys and Dolls Nicely-Nicely Johnson
Happy End Bar Owner & various parts
Into the Woods Mysterious Man Crossroads Theatre
Jerry Springer the Opera Skid Sprankles/Dr. Knife/Prozac man Ray of Light Theatre My Fair Lady Footman/Servants Quintet Lamplighters Music Theatre Mahagonny Songspiel Billy
Man of La Mancha Sancho Panza Altarena Playhouse
On the Twentieth Century Oliver Webb Cinnabar Theater
Secret Garden Lt. Shaw Lamplighters Music Theatre
Songs for a New World Man 1 Studio ACT
Working Mike Dillard Studio ACT
CABARET
Something C.O.O,L. Cabaret Festival The Featured performer Eureka Theatre Music that Makes Me Dance Featured performer Studio ACT In Praise of Sondheim Featured performer Cowell Theater Bye-Bye Verdi Mame's Palazzo Cabaret
OTHER EXPERIENCE
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Second Tenor 2009 to 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Opera Panelist December 2010 Most Holy Redeemer Church - Castro Cantor 2000 to 2011
San Francisco Opera Chorus First Tenor 1981 to 2002 1
Los Medanos Community College Voice teacher 1995 to 2002 In the Shadow of the Stars (Oscar winner) Featured performer 1992 Documentary film
EDUCATION
Master of Music (Voice) College-Conservatory of Music/University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Music Education (Voice) San Francisco State University Voice builders: Dewey Camp, Patricia Berlin, John Alexander Vocal coaches: Italo Tajo, John Alexander, Frances Epsen Devlin, Naomi Sanchez