Staff Report — Simi Valley City Council, June 24, 2024

18/05-24

CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

MEMORANDUM
June
24, 2024
TO:

City Council
FR
OM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJ
ECT: APPOINTMENT OF SIMI VALLEY ARTS COMMISSIONERS

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It
is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) for two-year terms.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Ar
ts Commission is responsible for promoting greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; exploring alternate sources of arts and culture funding; planning arts programs and events; developing a master cultural plan; applying for grants; reviewing the annual financial and operational plans for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center; and reinforcing the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life for all members of the community. Membership on the Commission is comprised of eight members: two City Council Members, five City Council-appointed public members, and one Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board of Director. All public members serve staggered two-year terms of office. Arts Commission members may serve two consecutive terms and may serve additional terms provided 12 months have lapsed between appointments beyond two consecutive terms.

FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
Th
e terms of service for three City Council-appointed public members of the Simi Valley Arts Commission will conclude on June 30, 2024. The City initiated a recruitment to solicit applications to fill these vacancies on February 9, 2024. The deadline for applications was March 15, 2024. Recruitment efforts included a press release, cable television public service announcements, shares on social media, and postings on the City's website. A total of eight (8) applications were received and all applicants attended an orientation. On April 15, 2024, the City Council selected Council Member Litster to serve on the Interview Committee with a continuing Arts Commissioner.

On M
ay 14, 2024, Council Member Litster and Arts Commissioner Savell interviewed the applicants and nominated t hree for appointment to two- year terms on the Arts

AGENDA I

TEM NO.
3(A)3
2 18/05-24
Commission, commencing July 1, 2024 , and concluding June 30, 2026 . The nominees are as follows:

Nominees:

Lauren Hammersley
Janet Plant
Stephanie Wilson

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 three City Council-appointed public members of the Simi Valley Arts Commission will conclude on June 30, 202 4. The City initiated a recruitment on February 9, 2024, to fill these vacancies. On May 14, 2024, Council Member Litster and Arts Commissioner Savell interviewed the applicants and nom inated three for appointment to two-year terms on the Arts Commission, commencing July 1, 202 4, and concluding June 30, 202 6. 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 Submission # 3069086
IP Address 76.227.148.246
Submission Recorded On 03/15/2024 9:54 a.m.

Time to Take Survey 23 minutes, 18 seconds

Page 1 ends

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Simi Valley Arts Commission is an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to arts and culture in the city, with a goal to reinforce the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life in Simi Valley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations, and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decision and legislation.

The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:

Advocate for the role and value of arts and culture in civic life; Promote greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; Advocate for and explore alternate sources of arts and culture funding including, but not limited to, grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships; In partnership with other public agencies, non-profits, etc., plan programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events to support economic and community development and showcase the city as a tourist destination; Develop and implement a vision and master cultural plan for strengthening and growing arts and culture for the City of Simi Valley; Conduct fundraising events, programs, and apply for grants to seek funds and donations to support and enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for the residents through the expansion of the arts;
Approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's fiscal year operating and capital budgets, including operating plan, and submit to City Council for approval; Strengthen and support the capacity on non-profit and community arts and cultural organizations in the city.

Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 15, 2024, 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 March 26, 2024, and March 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.

The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. 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
Lauren Hammersley
* Address
* Mobile Phone
Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*
*
Self Employed selling vintage and interior styling
*
Vintage Curator and Interior Stylist
*
Creating a unique and eclectic style that resonates with thousands of people on my social media pages *
Other: From the assistant manager at Simi Cultural Arts Center when I was selling vintage at the Femme Faire *
I grew up being active in the arts, participating in theater, choir, and fine arts classes. In my adulthood, I have raised five children, and creativity has been central to my parenting philosophy. They’re all involved in the arts in some way (film, drawing, music, theater). My husband works in TV animation. I have also always been very involved in my community (service projects, fundraisers, advocacy). After losing my daughter to cancer, creativity has been essential to my healing. *
I know the commission has a commitment to bring arts and culture to the community, and that is what is in my heart of hearts. I have visited many countries and cities and Email
Current or Most Recent Employer
Current or Most Recent Job Title
Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
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?

ATTACHMENT A
3 have witnessed how the arts can breathe life into its community and I want to see and help this happen in Simi. *
Since I understand how important art and creativity is to the human experience and to healing, I want to bring this to my community. I want to see Simi become a vibrant and thriving community that also understands this truth. I would love to see more public art, art fairs, creative centers, classes, etc and the arts commission feels like the place for me to help make this happen.
*
More social media involvement, public art, creating a makers space where people can come to access art and crafting supplies and learn how to make art, exhibitions, art fairs and markets, partnering with local artists, etc
*
I have planned multiple events, including high-end galas, social gatherings and fundraisers and am very experienced in bringing people together for a cause. While I have not planned exhibitions or markets, I have participated in many over the years and have full confidence that I could take this on. *
- Raised over $300,000 for the St Baldricks Foundation (the leading private finder of childhood cancer research in the world) and was nominated for their volunteer of the year - Traveled to Washington DC for several years to advocate for childhood cancer legislation. We helped pass the STAR Act, the most comprehensive bill for research in history - Serve Parents against the SSFL, a local non-profit fighting for the clean up of the Santa Susana Field Lab and in a Emmy nominated documentary about Attach a resume
**SKIPPED**
*
Lauren Hammersley
Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture? Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
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).

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):
4 Submission # 3003357
IP Address 23.240.38.247
Submission Recorded On 02/14/2024 8:00 a.m.

Time to Take Survey 58 minutes, 7 seconds

Page 1 ends

The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:

Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.

The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. 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
*
*
Retired since 2017; previously employed at Sunrise Senior Living *
Currently on the Executive Board of the Simi Valley Council on Aging, Commissioner on the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Commission; previously Director of Sales and Marketing *
At the Council on Aging: Providing seniors with multiple options to ensure safety, security, health and quality of life. As a Cultural Arts Commissioner, advocating for the role and value of the arts
*
Current or Past Board Member
*
Special interest in Simi Valley seniors and ensuring their quality of life. Advocating for arts and culture for all Simi Valley Residents. Expertise and experience in event planning, consensus building, program grant awards and effective collaboration with multiple community agencies, including COA, CAC, City Council, Dept. of Parks and Recreation, SV Chamber of Commerce and others.
*
Email
Current or Most Recent Employer
Current or Most Recent Job Title
Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
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?
5 I have served as an Arts Commission for nearly two years and found collaborating with a group of like-minded SV residents to be rewarding and enriching. My experience with SV seniors and multiple SV agencies continues to inspire me to want to promote greater community participation in the arts and culture. *
I am very eager to participate in and collaborate on the development and implementation of a SV master cultural plan that can strengthen, enhance and grow arts and culture in Simi Valley. By growing arts and culture in Simi Valley, in collaboration with other agencies and non-profits, our community's economy will grow and our city can become a tourist destination.
*
Developing partnerships and collaborations with community agencies, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations and SV businesses will bring awareness of the value and role of arts and culture in effective, rewarding and successful community life. Developing a master cultural plan in the next year or two that encourages community input will engage more community members to get and stay involved in arts and culture. *
I have extensive experience in event planning and program development both in my previous professional career and as a retiree serving on the Executive Board of the Council on Aging. I have co-chaired the Simi Valley Wellness Expo, the COA Arts and Crafts Fair, the COA's 50 years anniversary celebration and more. I have twice served on the Simi Valley Community Projects Grant Program Committee and twice served on the Simi Valley Special Events Grant Program. *
My resume is attached, which reflects my previous professional experience and current community involvement. I am committed to being a very active and collaborative member of our Simi Valley community.

Attach a resume
Janet Plant February 2024.doc
*
Janet Plant
Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture? Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
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).

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):
6 1

JANET PLANT

RETIREMENT PROFILE:

SIMI VALLEY COUNCIL ON AGING, Ventura County, CA 2017 to Present • Chair of Executive Board, 2018 to 2022
• Executive Board, 2017 to Present
• Current member of Executive Board
• Co-chair Council on Aging’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Program • Previous co-chair Council on Aging’s Annual Wellness Expo • The mission of the Simi Valley Council On Aging is to identify and serve the needs of Simi Valley seniors through the advocacy, development, support, funding and implementation of programs, events and services that provide seniors with maximum independence, safety, security, health and quality of life. • https://www.simivalley.org/departments/community-services/senior-center/council-on-aging

SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, Ventura County, CA 2022 to Present • Act as one of the Cultural Arts Commissioners
• Support the CAC’s five-year strategic plan
• Support all tactics to help foster the mission and vision for the CAC, especially “to assess, develop and formalize the role of the Arts Commission and adopt its bylaws. • Support Arts Leadership and Advocacy, especially “to reinforce the arts as a vital, integral and necessary component of life in Simi Valley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decisions and legislation.
• Provide advice and information on subjects within the scope of the Cultural Arts Commission to the Simi Valley City Council by acting as an advisory body on matters pertaining to arts and culture in Simi Valley.

STATE-CERTIFIED OMBUDSMAN, Ventura County, CA 2017 to 2020 • A California-certified ombudsman representative in the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
o Regularly visited local Simi Valley nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living and memory care facilities to ensure seniors received adequate, acceptable and dignified care.
o Reported to the Ventura County Long-Term Care agency
• 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 COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
7 2

• Simi Valley Community Projects Grant Program, served twice • Simi Valley Special Events Grant Program, served twice

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.

• 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.
• 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.
8 3
• 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:
• 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%
9 4
• Developed and wrote all executive communications, speeches, presentations and white papers.

FIRST DATA CORPORATION, Moorpark, CA / 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 SERVICES, 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.

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

10 Submission # 3002230
IP Address 75.225.100.14
Submission Recorded On 02/13/2024 4:04 p.m.

Time to Take Survey 27 minutes, 10 seconds

Page 1 ends

The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:

Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.

The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. 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**
*
*
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
*
Managing Director
*
Manage professional theatre company, 100 employees, 5 productions a year, 70 performances, 11,000 attendance. Education programs for 10,000 schoolchildren. 5 summer camps. $400,000 donations/grants
*
Served Previously
*
Since 1975 produced, directed and worked in film & performing arts. Written 10 plays for schoolchildren and study guides, performed at TOCAP for dozens of schools. Helped create Shakespeare Education Tour in VC. Worked at 15 nonprofits. Founded VC Arts Council. Served on T.O. Arts Commission 20 years. Served on 20 boards. Chaired Calif.

Alliance for Arts Education 4 years. Toured as actor to schools for arts ed. Served on grants panels for LA County Arts, Ventura and T.O. Now teach 100 kids/year *
Email
Current or Most Recent Employer
Current or Most Recent Job Title
Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
How did you hear of this recruitment for the Simi Valley Arts Commission? Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an Arts 11 I believe in civic involvement, advocacy and government involvement in the artistic process. My work with the statewide Alliance for Arts Ed, gave me experience in meeting with legislators and making my case. Founding the VC Arts Council helped me work with county leaders for support for a new entity. 28 years experience with Brown-Acted boards enhanced experience in working with councils, speaking at public meetings, protecting council from public, controversy, and public art. *
It's time for the City of Simi Valley to create a city-wide cultural plan. I've worked on similar plans for the County of Ventura and the City of Thousand Oaks. I believe we can gain partial funding support from Visit Simi. A Cultural Plan can help focus the work of the Commission, and better identify projects such as a FUND 4 THE ARTS, Relationships with the County, a WEB SITE for the arts, and a city wide Arts Festival. We need a policy for accepting and approving public art, and % for Art *
The Community needs a voice. We do this thru Public participation in Cultural Plan, feasibility study for amphitheatre, discussion of work/live spaces for arts, hanging art in restaurants, Wine/paint nights, passport for the arts program, neighborhood councils participating in plan, stronger relationships with Tourism Bureau and schools. Art in public places: Freeway overpasses, schools, bus stops, Tourism Simi, a project like the COWS in Chicago, pop up festivals sponsored by city/others, *
As chair of Thousand Oaks Arts Commission ran art walk, and oversaw exhibits at Community Art Gallery. Serving on Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, oversaw all exhibits at Hillcrest Center for the Arts. Produced Excellence in the Arts Awards five years in Thousand Oaks at Civic Arts Plaza. Started program to hang art at County Center. *
Original musicals were workshopped at the Taper, performed at Covent Garden and one was a Richard Rodgers Award finalist. Performed and toured throughout California, Kansas and Montana. Honored as Fundraiser of the year twice, once in Greater San Fernando Valley in 2017 and in 2023 for Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties. Twilight Award for excellence in Arts. Community Advocate award for 'fighting city hall' but I didn't really FIGHT, I just figured it out! Attach a resume
Stephanie Wilson resume 2024.doc
*
Stephanie Wilson
Commissioner?
Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture? Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
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).

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):
12 Stephanie Wilson, CFRE

SKILLS: Board development, training, best practices, culture, bylaws, governing rules 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 young people Public relations, press kits, press releases, public speaking

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

January 2023 to Present Managing Director – Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum , T opanga, California: Professional Equity Theatre Company specializing in Shake speare and socially relevant contemporary plays, training programs for young people, and several programs serving 10,000 schoolchildren. Contracts, insurance, marketing, fundraising and all ot her duties relevant to managing outdoor venue and company. Full time salaried. Direct report to Board.

September 1994 to Present Founding Artistic Director - Gold Coast Plays & Th eatre 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 – 2004, Part time 2005 to present. Direct report to Board.

June 2018 to May 2022 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 Foundat ion, 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.

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 tim e salaried reporting to CEO.

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.

13 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, grant writing, special events , face to face asks, donor cultivation, and stewardship. Full time salaried staff reporting to Executive Director.

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY AFFAIRS APPOINTMENTS

2022 – 2024 COMMISSIONER, City of Sim Valley Cultural Arts Commission An advisory body to the City Council on programs and policies tha t integrate arts and culture into community life.

2010 – 2019 COMMISSIONER, City of Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Commission An advisory body to the City Council on programs and policies tha t integrate arts and culture i nto 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.

2000 – 2010 CHAIR, City of Thousand Oaks Arts Commission Chair and producer of Arts Recognition Awards. Chaired Shakespear e Education Tour bringing professional acto rs 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. Received mul ti-year funding fro m the James Irvine Foundation, the McCune Foundation, the California Endowment, the Marisla Foundation and the School of the Pacific Islands Foundation. Endowment Campaign raised over $600,000.

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 s tudents in California schools. While chair, this organization took a leadership role in securing an unprecedented $610 million for arts education i n 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 partnership s with the California Departme nt of Education, and the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools and Board of Supervisors. As chair, led the efforts to cr eate the first countywide cult ural arts plan that determined the status and needs of arts organizations in Ventura County, leading to an overarchin g vision to guide the development and delivery of services to the arts community.

Honors and A wards: Outstanding Professional Fundraiser 2023 Ventura/Santa Barbara:

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Outstanding Professional Fundraiser 2017 Greater San Fernando Valley: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Civic Arts Advocate 2017 from Conejo Players Theatre for advocacy efforts with City of Thousand Oaks , Twilight Award 2016 Celebrating Excellence for Furthering the Arts. Richard Rodgers Finalist for Musical PINOCCHIO. 14

Simi Valley City CouncilJune 24, 2024

Simi Valley City Council
June 24, 2024