24/05-22
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
June 13, 2022
TO: City Council
FROM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF SIMI VALLEY ARTS COMMISSIONERS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the t hree applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) for two-year terms.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Arts Commission annually reviews both the operating budget and operating plan for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center prior to City Council approval.
Additionally, the Commission is tas ked with reviewing capital purchase recommendations for the Center, grants, and other opportunities to make the arts accessible for all members of the community. Membership on the Arts Commission is comprised of seven members, including two City Council Members, one Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation represent ative, and four City Council-appointed public members, as well as one alternate member. All public members serve staggered two-year terms of office.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
The terms of service for two City Council -appointed public members (two regular members) of the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Commission) will conclude on June 30, 2022. Also, the City Council -appointed alternate member position became vacant in February 2022, due to a resignation. The City initiated a recruitment to solicit applications to fill these vacancies on March 1, 2022 . The deadline for applications was March 2 5, 2022. Recruitment efforts included a press release, cable television public service announcements, shares on social media, and postings on the City's website. Orientations for prospective applicants were held, respectively, on April 5 and 7, 2022. A total of six (6) applications were received and all six (6) applicants attended an orientation. On April 25, 202 2, the City Council selected Council Member Judge to serve on the Interview Committee with a continuing Arts Commissioner.
On May 17, 2022, Council Member Judge and Arts Commissioner Savell interviewed four applicants, one applicant withdrew prior to the interview, and one applicant contacted staff and due to an emergency , asked to reschedule to after the last interview ; this interview was rescheduled to May 20, 2022. At the conclusion of the interview process, Council
AGENDA ITEM NO.
3A(1)
2 24/05-22
Member Judge and Arts Commissioner Savell nominated three for appointment to two- year terms on the Arts Commission, commencing July 1, 2022, and concluding June 30, 2024. The nominees are as follows:
Nominees:
John Dantona
Janet Plant
Stephanie Wilson (Alternate)
The applications of the nominees are included as Attachment A beginning on page 3.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Approve, and the Mayor appoint, the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission for two-year terms;
2. Provide staff with alternate direction.
Staff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to approve, and the Mayor appoint , the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission for two-year terms.
SUMMARY
The terms of service for two City Council-appointed public members (two regular members) of the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Commission) will conclude on June 30, 2022. Also, the City Council -appointed alternate member position became vacant in February 2022, due to a resignation. The City initiated a recruitment on March 1, 202 2, to fill these vacancies. On May 17 and May 20, 2022, Council Member Judge and Arts Commissioner Savell interviewed five applicants (one applicant withdrew prior to the interview) and nominated t hree for appointment to two -year terms on the Arts Commission, commencing July 1, 2022, and concluding June 30, 2024. Therefore, staff is recommending that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the applicants nominated to the Arts Commission.
____________________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
Prepared by: Anna M. Medina, Deputy Community Services Director
INDEX Page
Attachment A .................................................................................... 3 24a/05-22
Submission #
IP Address
Submission Recorded On
Time to Take Survey
1549310
172.112.19.70
03/23/2022 10:28 PM
44 minutes, 3 seconds
~ SIMIVALLEY
'JT [[f I(l CULTURAL
~ ARTS CENTER
Thank you for applying to serve on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Arts Commission is responsible for reviewing the annual budget and operating plan for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center prior to City Council approval. It also reviews recommendations for capital purchases, grants, and other opportunities to make the arts accessible for all members of the community.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 25, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for April 5, 2022 and April 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants' terms of service will be from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Anna Medina, Deputy Community Services Director, at [email protected].
Full Name
John Dantona
Address
Mobile Phone
Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*Email
*Current or Most Recent Employer
Children First Inc
*Current or Most Recent Job Title
Owner/Vice President
*Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
Serving children with special needs and their families since 2006 *How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Current or Past Board Member
*Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement.
Professional union actor since the age of 19; Director, writer, and instructor since my mld·20s; High school performing arts chairman for 5 years; Active with SVCAC & ARTS since 2011; Afterschoo! instructor and acting coach for the last 10 years; Currently teaching/directing teens with ARTS and acting coach for Santa Susana High School award· winning Mock Trial team (7 years) .
• what about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an Arts Commissioner?
For the past two years, being a part of the Arts Commission has been an honor. Being able to give back to a program that has given so much to Simi Valley, and to me personally, is not only rewarding, I feet it is a civic duty. *Please share your vision for the arts in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents? Having the support and resources of the City to support SVCAC throughout the pandemic has allowed this outstanding cultural program to survive. It Is now time for us to allow It to thrive with its new staff. Audiences are growing each week as theatre fans feel safer and more secure. Residents have missed this theater and all it has to offer. I can attest that the reputation of SVCAC, even outside the city, is strong. *Please share your experience in producing or participating in multicultural programming? As VP of Marketing Communications & Publishing with Baseballers Against Drugs (BAD), we sponsored clinics with Major League/Minor League Baseball in economically deprived communities needing a message of positivity and alternatives to gangs and substance abuse. Children served came from all backgrounds, genders and culture, as did the professional ballplayers and celebrities who represented our organization. Culturally diverse SSHS Mock Trial participates yearly in international competition. *Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume (optional). 3 ATTACHMENT A
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VP of Marketing Communications & Publishing with BAD; Board of Managers for Simi Valley Family YMCA, Two-year term with Simi Valley Gang task Force; (See additional info on attached resume)
Attach a resume
SVCA Commission Resume.doc
*First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
John Dantona
4 24a/05-22
JOHN DANTONI
Diverse background in marketing communications, copy writing, community service, public speaking and entertainment offers a "Renaissance Man" attitude and versatility to your organization.
Experience
CHILDREN FIRST, Simi Valley, CA 2006-Present
Owner, Director of Operations, Communication & Finance
Co-owner and administrator for small business corporation serving children with special needs. Key responsibilities include copy writing and editing of all communications as well as oversight of office operations: accounting, payroll, taxes, health care, as well as scheduling and office management. Over 5000 families served.
MR. WRITE PRODUCTIONS (& Creative Services), Simi Valley, CA 1999-Present Owner & Creative Marketing Consultant
Corporation provides creative marketing communication solutions for a variety of companies and non-profit organizations and the communities they serve. Services include: creative direction, copywriting, managing editor, English-Spanish translations, design collaboration for web-sites, print collateral, direct-response mail and email, business-to-business correspondence and promotional advertisements, theatre critic and feature writer as well as creative consultant for political consulting firm creating campaign mailers, radio and TV broadcast ads, promotional material, letters, press releases, and speeches. Entertainment wing is currently producing and directing theatrical stage productions and instructing young people in performing arts.
+ Partial client list: Alfred E. Mann Institute at USC; Rader Programs (raderprograms.com) Governmental Impact (govimpact.com), Baseballers Against Drugs (bad.org), United Food & Commercial Workers, Applied Perceptions LLC.
YMCA, Pathways L.A., Caremark Therapeutic Services, Direct Response Consultants, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Actors Repertoire of Simi, CSUN, Granada Hills Charter High School, St. Monica High School, Charlatan Films, Rumpus Creative, Showcase Entertainment and Los Angeles Theatres magazines.
BASEBALLERS AGAINST DRUGS, Simi Valley, CA 1999-2006
Director of Publishing and Marketing Communications
Provided hands-on direction of activities and community relations for award-winning non-profit drug awareness organization. Responsibilities included creation and oversight of all written and verbal correspondence, web building, (www.bad.org) public speaking and management of volunteers for children's sports clinics, fundraisers and community events as well as networking with Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and community organizations throughout the country.
+ Awarded 2003 Volunteer Organization of the Year by the Association ofFundraising Professionals UNITED STATES SALES CORPORATION, Northridge, CA 1991-1999 Senior Manager of Customer Relations + Customer Retention Director + Creative Marketing Director + Contributed creative guidance, copy writing and oversight of all customer correspondence to fast-paced Customer Service Dept managing over 200 employees. Liaison to Creative Development and Strategic Planning Dept. re: impact of promotional programs on long-term customer activity. Additional responsibilities included hiring, promoting and discharge of staff with Human Resources. + Creative representative of analytically oriented executive retention team, developing intervention and risk management strategies to strengthen long-term customer relations. + Promoted within 2 months from Assistant Director to create and develop sweepstakes and merchandise incentive offers for promotionally driven direct mail catalog company. Managed staff of 25 coordinators while collaborating with Art, Merchandise, Production, Information Management and Legal departments to implement these programs. 5 24a/05-22
JOIN DANTONI
Entertainment Career Experience
Award-Winning Playwright, Director, Actor & Songwriter; Theatre Critic & Feature Writer; Short Film and Stage Producer; Talent Manager & Associate Casting Director; Chairman, Director and Instructor for teenage performing arts programs Community Leadership
Community Gang Task Force
Board of Directors and Coach
Board of Managers
Y's Men International Service Club
Chairman: Indian/ Adventure Guides and Trailblazers
City of Simi Valley
Simi Valley Girls Softball
Simi Valley Family YMCA
Simi Valley Family YMCA
Simi Valley Family YMCA Parent/Child Programs
Training/Education
California State University Northridge, Theatre Arts
Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Theatre Workshop Graduate Career Connection Broadcast Graduate with Jason Jeffries: KRLA Radio, Glendale, CA INC. Magazine Customer Service Seminar, San Francisco, CA 6 24a/05-22
Submission #
IP Address
Submission Recorded On
Time to Take Survey
1542325
23.240.38.247
03/21/2022 9:45 AM
30 minutes, 7 seconds
~ SIMIVALLEY
")-c[rr[r CULTURAL
~ ARTS CENTER
Thank you for applying to serve on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Arts Commission is responsible for reviewing the annual budget and operating plan for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center prior to City Council approval. It also reviews recommendations for capital purchases, grants, and other opportunities to make the arts accessible for all members of the community.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 25, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for April 5, 2022 and April 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants' terms of service will be from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Anna Medina, Deputy Community Services Director, at [email protected].
Full Name
JANET PLANT
Address
Mobile Phone
Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*Email
*Current or Most Recent Employer
Sunrise Senior Living, Woodland Hills (senior assisted living and memory care) *Current or Most Recent Job Title
Director of Marketing
*Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
Community outreach, facility reputation, census building and maintenance, community organization and agency interface. *How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Social Media/Other Website
*Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement.
Community outreach and engagement through personal presentations to appropriate agencies, interpersonal relationships with stakeholders and development of community activities to introduce my organization(s) to multiple audiences, agencies and target groups. Former Ventura County ombudsman (senior advocate for individuals in long-term care facilities) and Executive Board Member of Simi Valley Council on Aging (3 years as board chair.). 3 years on the Community Development Block Grant committee. * What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an Arts Commissioner?
I am a life-long artist, theater and concert goer and community activist. The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a hidden gem, and I want to help ensure its recognition and position as an artistic oasis within the Simi Valley community. Since retiring from the Council on Aging Executive Board (after serving my maximum terms), I want to continue to contribute to the community where I have lived for 21 years. *Please share your vision for the arts in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents? Increased awareness of the multiple art and music programs available to all Simi Valley and Ventura County residents. To reach the level of awareness, exposure and reputation of the Thousand Oaks performing arts center. Enhance the exposure of local visual artists through exhibits at the Cultural Center. Partner with the SV Town Center, where there is so much vacant space, to host a variety of theatrical and music performances and visual art exhibitions. Promote vigorously to the community. *Please share your experience in producing or participating in multicultural programming? Special events planning at Sunrise Senior Living to multicultural audiences. Special events leadership on the SV Council on Aging Executive Board: Wellness Expo, Arts and Crafts Fair, participation on the Street Fair committees. *Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume {optional), 7 24a/05-22
SV Council on Aging; Chair of Executive Board; Ventura County Ombudsman, Chair of SV Wellness Expo. Former Rotary member, former director of marketing for Simi Valley Adventist Hospital. Member of the Community Development Block Grant Committee.
Attach a resume
Janet Plant 3-21-22.doc
*First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
Janet Plant
8 24a/05-22
JANET PLANT
RETIREMENT PROFILE:
STATE:-CERTIFIED OMBUDSMAN, Ventura County, CA 2017 to 2020 • A California-certified ombudsman representative in the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
• The Ventura County Ombudsman Program is founded on the principle that senior individuals who are unable to care for themselves are entitled to dependable and consistent care. State certified ombudsmen are advocates entrusted to ensure that care. • The Ventura County Ombudsman Program's mission is to assure the highest quality of life and care possible for our elderly in long term care facilities throughout Ventura County.
SIMI VALLEY COUNCIL ON AGING, Ventura County, CA 2017 to 2022 • Chair of Executive Board, 2018 to 2022
• Executive Board, 2017 to 2022
• The mission of the Simi Valley Council On Aging (COA), an advisory body elected by senior citizens and appointed by the Simi Valley City Council, is to identify the needs of senior citizens in this community. The Council On Aging serves as an advocate to support programs and services providing seniors with maximum independence, safety and quality of life. • https://www.simivalley.org/departments/community-services/senior-center/council-on-aging BUSINESS PROFILE: EXPERIENCED SALES, MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PROFESSIONAL
Dynamic and results-oriented marketing, sales and business development professional with proven experience managing effective, successful business development, sales and marketing campaigns and programs for industry leading privately held and publicly traded organizations.
Recognized for management and interpersonal skills that support revenue generation, attract and retain customers and measurably enhance corporate reputation. Emphasis on marketing to seniors.
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•
•
•
•
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Trusted business development and marketing partner, adept at strategizing and implementing effective marketing, lead generation and customer development programs.
Powerful sales closer
Proven expertise in senior living marketing and sales . o Sincere passion for working with seniors and ensuring their quality of life. o Sensitive skills in dealing effectively and successfully with diverse families to help them find the best fit for their senior living needs.
o Proven success and effectiveness in dealing with professionals, community members and lead-generating referral sources to develop referrals and build reputation.
Proven ability to develop and implement media relations programs, special events and traffic generating projects.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills with demonstrated ability to deliver outstanding results-oriented presentations and messaging to diverse audiences.
Team player and team builder .
1 9
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• Active volunteer in the local community (March of Dimes, AIDS Walk L.A., Relay for Life [American Cancer Society], Best Buddies, Boys and Girls Club, Walk for MS, Alzheimer's Assn. Memory Walk and others)
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Sales and retention plan development, implementation and execution • Relationship development and maintenance; community outreach • Business development plans and execution
• Communications planning and implementation
• Event planning and implementation
• Internal and external presentations, speeches and business development • Building trust with all prospects and families
• Project management
• Budget management
EXPERIENCE
SUNRISE SENIOR LIVING, Woodland Hills, CA 2008 to 2017
Director of Sales (formerly Director of Community Relations) Responsible for driving census and revenue and increasing market share for Sunrise's San Fernando Valley flagship senior living community through inside sales as well as external and community business development efforts.
Achievements:
• Exceeded census budgets by 35%, year over year.
• Consistently and positively increased census through strategic marketing, communications, activities and special events and professional referral development plans. • Increased brand awareness through local events and publicity in print and broadcast media. • Developed and executed special events and ongoing programs that continue to·create brand awareness, drive community traffic and build positive perception, including "Ask the Doctor," "Ask the Lawyer," "Resident for a Day," quarterly VA Aid and Attendance benefits workshops, monthly family and community support groups and educational workshops, Social Security workshops, physician practice management workshops and others.
• Conducted ongoing in-service workshops at local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and rehab facilities for their case management, utilization review, social work and discharge planning departments to generate referrals and build awareness as a senior community that can provide the highest levels of quality assisted living care.
• Established external business development relationships with local senior associations, including Alzheimer's Association, One Generation, the Senior Resource Alliance and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, among others to establish expertise as a senior resource. • Created ongoing strategic partnerships and collaborative special events with local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to serve community prospects and residents, including West Hills Hospital, Providence Tarzana Medical Center, Encino Hospital, Northridge Hospital and Sherman Oaks Hospital, as well as multiple skilled nursing facilities in the San Fernando Valley.
WELLPOINT, Camarillo, CA 2007-2008
Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager
Strategically developed and launched member and physician communications strategies including member kits with supporting materials/manuals. Led essential relationships with state regulatory agencies, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SCHIP, government consultants, internal/ external legal counsel, and community-based organizations. Managed 15 direct reports and a department of 30.
Achievements:
2 10
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• Established and maintained a public presence spanning 14 states as a result of creating media strategies that included health fairs, trade shows and media outreach. • Helped improve regulatory agency processes and approval turnaround by engaging relationships in a collaborative dialogue during material review process. Streamlined material production by nearly 50% and increased provider/physician satisfaction by 25%, measured and benchmarked by quantitative research surveys. Reduced billing times to 30 days. • Measured and benchmarked member and physician satisfaction levels of products/services by conducting market research surveys.
• Increased member satisfaction by 15% based on surveys and focus groups.
OAKWOOD WORLDWIDE, Los Angeles, CA 2006-2007
Director of Corporate Communications
Managed the development and implementation of business development, sales support and corporate communications strategies and programs for world's largest temporary housing provider with 4,000 global employees. Served as communications leader for senior management on marketing, advertising, communications, and corporate messaging initiatives. Managed 6 direct reports and department of 10.
Achievements:
• Capitalized on media opportunities and earned media coverage in appropriate publications and websites as a result of delivering media training to executives. • Developed, implemented and executed sales materials, programs, contests and trainings and press releases.
• Ignited company Intranet utilization 400% by redesigning the overall website navigation and applying more focused content.
• Boosted employee morale and workplace satisfaction 62% based on a quantitative satisfaction survey conducted subsequent to enhancing communications efforts. • Played a key role in motivating the overall employee population by packaging and distributing company mission and vision as customer service "Gold Standard," to enhance employee satisfaction and retention by 25%
• Developed and wrote all executive communications, speeches, presentations and white papers.
FIR.ST DATA CORPORATION, Moorpark, CA I Denver, CO 2000-2006 Director, Corporate Communications
Developed and executed marketing, business development and communications strategies directed at clients, business partners and 32,000 employees of this financial services international leader (Western Union, TeleCheck and First Data Merchant Services). Advisor and thought leader to senior management on deploying effective strategic business development and public relations campaigns.
Directed media relations, public relations and marketing agencies.
Achievements:
• Created, executed and launched successful comprehensive business development programs in national, regional and local markets, including sales tools, branding materials, marketing kits and customer relationship development.
• Developed and executed market research studies to measure communications programs. • Contributed extensively to culture shaping and change management programs, including response to mergers and acquisitions, new leadership and situational challenges that accounted for 80% employee retention during a major merger and subsequent integration. • Managed crisis communications from product defects to situational disasters at offices and call centers throughout the U.S.
• Supported CEO through development of speeches, presentations, employee communications and client communications.
SIMI VALLEY HOSPITAL & HEALTH CARE SER.VICES, Simi Valley, CA 1998-2000 Director of Marketing, Business Development and Corporate Communications Led strategic business development and marketing activities including strategic planning, market research, marketing communications, advertising, corporate communications, public/media relations, community relations and physician relations for 225-bed full-service community hospital. 3 11
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Achievements:
• Played a primary role in building the hospital's brand, market position and driving census through strategic marketing plans, physician research and relations and corporate communications. • Led the hospital name change from Simi Valley Adventist Hospital to Simi Valley Hospital & Health Care Services to enhance market position and ensure alignment with market demographics and needs.
o Developed and executed qualitative and quantitative market research studies to determine the need for name change, to create new name and to properly position the new brand.
• Created and executed high impact communication messages to increase market awareness and drive census.
• Created and executed comprehensive website content while managing marketing, advertising, and public relations activities.
• Developed corporate communications campaigns and special events that earned positive media coverage and enhanced the hospital's positive reputation by 50%, measured by quantitative awareness survey.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree, Business and Management
University of Redlands, Redlands, CA
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Simi Valley Women's Book Club
Simi Valley Community Development Block Grant Committee 4 12
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Submission #
IP Address
1548593
47.181.181.193
03/23/2022 2:09 PM Submission Recorded On
Time to Take Survey 4 minutes, 49 seconds
~ SIMIVALLEY
'JT-[rrir CULTURAL
~ ARTS CENTER
Thank you for applying to serve on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Arts Commission is responsible for reviewing the annual budget and operating plan for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center prior to City Council approval. It also reviews recommendations for capital purchases, grants, and other opportunities to make the arts accessible for all members of the community.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 25, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for April 5, 2022 and April 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants' terms of service will be from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Anna Medina, Deputy Community Services Director, at [email protected].
Full Name
Stephanie Wilson
Address
Mobile Phone
Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*Email
*Current or Most Recent Employer
New West Symphony
*Current or Most Recent lob Title
Deputy Director/Director of Development
*Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
Producing multicultural online programming, educational programming, raising $1 million per year. *How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Neighbor/Friend
*Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement.
I have dedicated my life to the arts, working in stage and theatre in my teens, in films throughout my 20s and as an arts executive and fundraiser for the past 30 years.
Please see attached resume. Thank you.
*What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an Arts Commissioner?
I have served on City-council appointed arts commissions and boards for 20 consecutive years in the City of Thousand Oaks. This was fulfilling because arts organizations providing lifelong learning through classes and programs where people of all ages learn, grow and create. It has been proven that children who receive arts education have higher GPAs, better test scores and lower dropout rates. *Please share your vision for the arts in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents? Research shows that cities that emphasize the arts have more civic and social engagement, better schools and even lower poverty rates. This positive social impact is attributable to the pride, prestige, creativity and innovation a community feels as a result of a cultural impact. The arts stimulate business, drive tourism, and inspire young minds.
*Please share your experience in producing or participating in multicultural programming? For New West Symphony, worked with leadership to create Global Sounds, Local Cultures featuring music and artists from 8 countries/regions throughout the world that influenced classical music and with arts in Ventura County. Chaired Social Justice Fund for Ventura County for three years working with projects affecting indigenous, Mixtecan and many other cultural groups of under-resourced residents. *Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume {optional). 13 24a/05-22
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser 2017: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Civic Arts Advocate 2017, Twilight Award 2016 Celebrating Excellence for Furthering the Arts: Gold Coast Performing Arts Association.
Attach a resume
Stephanie Wilson resume.doc
*First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
Stephanie Wilson
14 24a/05-22
I Stephanie Wilson, CFRE
SKILLS: Major gifts cultivation, individual prospect identification and donor stewardship Foundation relations, research, proposal writing, creation of RFPs, grants review and evaluation Capital Campaigns, Annual Giving Campaigns, Corporate Giving Special event planning and follow-up, corporate sponsorships All aspects of theatre production and training
Board development, training, best practices, culture, bylaws, governing rules Public relations, press kits, press releases, public speaking
FUND DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
June 2018 to Present Deputy Director/Director of Development-New West Symphony, Thousand Oaks, California. As a member of the senior staff and deputy to the CEO, design, strategize and implement all fundraising activities including annual individual donor campaign raising $1.2, grant writing program raising $200,000 and special events netting $300,000. Full time salaried reporting to CEO.
December 2014 -June 2018 Vice President of Development -Partners in Care Foundation, San Fernando, California: Managing development department staff of four, and working closely with marketing department. Two large events per year, major grant writing for government and foundations, prospect research and individual donors. Events raise $475,000 per year from corporate sponsors.
Government and foundation grants total over $1 million annually. Full time salaried reporting to CEO.
September 1994 to Present Founding Artistic Director -Gold Coast Plays & Theatre Conservatory, Thousand Oaks, California: Professional Equity Theatre Company and training ground for young people, including young people with autism. Raise all funds to support programs and performances through foundation and government grants, individual donors, corporate sponsorships and special events. Full time 1994 -2001, Part time 2001 to present. Direct report to Board.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS:
April 2013-December 2014
Capital Campaign Coordinator -Ventura County Community Foundation, Camarillo, California:
Designed and authored materials for naming opportunities, campaign plan and case statement for new Nonprofit Center. Raised $2.25 million, with another $1.75 million in pipeline. Full time salaried reporting to CEO.
2011 -2012 (and 2001-2004)
Director of Development -Channel Islands Boating Center, Oxnard, California: Designed and authored all Capital Campaign materials for donor recognition and description of each exhibit at Center, including information on web site and brochures. Foundation research and proposal writing and submission. Prospect research and face to face asks for specific, appropriate gifts. Early efforts (2001-2004) raised $1,250,000 in private funds and $4,360,000 in government funds. Independent Contractor for County of Ventura.
March 2009 -July 2011
Major Gifts Officer -California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California: Managed all aspects of a Capital Campaign to build the Broadcast Center for KCLU, the national public radio station owned by the University. Completed the $5 million project and the center opened in May of 2011. Full time salaried staff on University Advancement team working with the CLU President on all donor recognition and stewardship, reporting to Vice President of University Advancement. 15 24a/05-22
July 2006 -March 2009
Director of Education -Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, Santa Barbara California:
Designed, managed and funded a four-part arts education program with a Conservatory and experiential education programs at the Theatre. Managed a 15 person staff. Supported the $60 million Capital Campaign to renovate the Granada Theatre, working with the consultant in grant writing, special events, face to face asks, donor cultivation, and stewardship. Managed preferential seating program for $50,000 + donors. Full time salaried staff reporting to Executive Director.
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY AFFAIRS APPOINTMENTS
2019-2021 (& 1997-2007) BOARD MEMBER, Arts Council of the Conejo Valley A membership support organization that delivers and co-sponsors cultural programs 2010 -2019 COMMISSIONER, City of Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Commission Chair, Community Outreach Committee. The CAC maintains a structure of two sub-committees:
Community Outreach and Theatre Operations. An advisory body to the City Council on programs and policies that integrate arts and culture into community life. The CAC oversees the programming and operations of City-owned cultural assets including the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza's 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre and 394-seat Scherr Forum, and two galleries. Outreach Committee duties include administering grant programs for artists and arts organizations, conducting economic study for the arts. 2000 -2010 CHAIR, City of Thousand Oaks Arts Commission Chair and producer of Arts Recognition Awards. Chaired Shakespeare Education Tour bringing professional actors and teachers into schools for workshops and performances. Oversaw City arts programs: Community Gallery, Art in Public Places, the Healing Power of Music, Open Studio Tour, and Youth Video Festival. Raised funds for all programs. 2006 -2009 CHAIR, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County The Social Justice Fund is unique in that it utilizes a giving circle model and is housed at a community foundation: The Ventura County Community Foundation. Created an Endowment Campaign and raised over $600,000 in new gifts and pledges during this period. 2002 -2007 CHAIR, California Alliance for Arts Education Board A state-wide organization that promotes, supports, and advocates visual and performing arts education for preschool through post-secondary students in California schools. This organization partners with the Kennedy Center, the California Arts Council and Americans for the Arts. While chair, this organization took a leadership role in securing an unprecedented $610 million for arts education in public schools, and advocated for Content Standards and Framework for the Arts. 2001 -2007 GOVERNOR, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Board of Governors (Chair Education Committee) Advisory body to the City Council on programs and policies related to the theatres, including funding, programming, resident companies and education programs. 1996 -2004 PRESIDENT, Ventura County Arts Council
Founded in 1996, the official local partner of the California Arts Council with strategic partnerships with the California Department of Education, and the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools and Board of Supervisors. As chair, led the efforts to create the first countywide cultural arts plan that determined the status and needs of arts organizations in Ventura County, leading to an overarching vision to guide the development and delivery of services to the arts community.
Honors and Awards: Outstanding Professional Fundraiser 2017: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Civic Arts Advocate 2017, Twilight Award 2016 Celebrating Excellence for Furthering the Arts: Gold Coast Performing Arts Association. 16 24a/05-22
THEATRE RESUME
1994 -Present ARTISTIC DIRECTOR -Gold Coast Plays & Theatre Conservatory Equity Theatre Company and training ground for young people. DUTIES: Overall management of Professional Equity Theatre Company and theatre classes for young people; produce and direct educational outreach programming; develop a new play each year based on California State Curriculum for area schoolchildren; teach classes in all aspects of theatre arts; design curriculum, hire teachers and oversee all aspects of Theatre Conservatory; design public relations and marketing programs; grant writing and fundraising; designed, managed and implemented the New Works Series of six new plays and musicals for the Equity Theatre Company; created corporate sponsorship packages; accounting, payroll and budgeting; developed fundraising activities between local companies performing at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Equity Productions for Gold Coast Plays -sample:
2016 DIRECTOR: Gift Rap
2003 DIRECTOR: The Actor's Nightmare, starring Paul Dooley and the cast from General Hospital 2002 PRODUCER: Hate Mail
2002 PRODUCER: Sweeney Todd starring Amanda McBroom & George Ball, Hello Muddah, Hello F addah
D001 PRODUCER: A Little Night Music starring Amanda McBroom & Dale Kristien, Forever Plaid 1990-1991 PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Victory Theatre's Young People's Series, Producing plays for young people at the acclaimed Victory Theatre 1989 -1991 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR The Encino Playhouse Programs Plays performed by professional adults for both adult and youth audiences. 1984 PRODUCER The Victory Theatre for the Olympic Arts Festival Associate Produced the original play BACK TO BACK/or the Olympic Arts Festival 1981 -Present THEATRE TEACHER and DIRECTOR
Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory-current
Young Artists Ensemble -current
Conejo Recreation and Parks -current
Boys and Girls Club
Kids in Motion
Los Angeles Parks and Recreation
The Victory Theatre
Great Falls Unified School District
1975 -2011 FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Orion Pictures, Universal, CBS, ABC, Independent Companies Supervisor for Mohawk Productions (Drew Carey Show, George Lopez Show) Produced and developed documentaries and television projects. Production Coordinator for feature films, movies for television, and live pageants. Art Director for feature films, commercials and after school specials.
Internet movie data base: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0941127/#MiscellaneousCrew Original works: Kensington Gardens workshopped by Gordon Davidson through TaperLab.
Pinocchio winner of the Richard Rodgers A ward and staged in Covent Gardens. Several plays for young people.
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