experience

Director of the Virginia Folklife Program & Virginia State Folklorist

March 2022–present
Virginia Humanities, University of Virginia

As Virginia’s state folklorist and director of the Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities, my work serves to sustain and empower the vital and diverse cultures and traditions of communities across the Commonwealth. I direct our apprenticeship program, established in 2002, and over the course of the next year, will shape new programs and services following deep listening and evaluation.

Director of Communications

Nov 2019–Feb 2022
Duke Arts, Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts
Duke University

Arts Communications Specialist

Sep 2017–Nov 2019
Duke Arts, Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts
Duke University

• Designed, implemented, and managed all communication strategies for Duke Arts, the Rubenstein Arts Center, and Duke Performances to position Duke as a leader in the arts, working in partnership with administrators, academic departments, students, arts colleagues across campus, targeted media, and the Durham community.

• Collaborated with university leadership and communications colleagues in the university, health system, and Durham to execute high-profile public announcements

• Edited external and internal publications, reports, signage, presentations, and more in AP and Chicago styles.

• Developed external partnerships and internal processes to support Duke Arts and Rubenstein Arts Center initiatives.

• Increased monthly web traffic by 1151%, social media engagement by 171%, and transformed email marketing program to grow support among key audiences.

• Led a network of 30+ arts communicators from across Duke to cultivate community, leverage shared opportunities, and implement best practices for audience engagement and awareness building.

• Supervised a team that includes an art director, communications coordinator, arts administration fellow, and up to ten part-time student assistants.

• Managed departmental budget and contracting external vendors.

Freelance Communications Strategy, Writing & Design

Communications & Marketing Manager

Jan 2011–Aug 2013
Duke Arts, Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts
Duke University

Communications & Marketing Assistant

Jul 2009–Jan 2011
The Textile Museum
Washington, DC

• Managed all communications vehicles and strategy for internal and external stakeholders.

• Created media relations strategy, earning coverage in local and national outlets.

• Revamped museum’s social media efforts, resulting in a 600% increase in followers.

• Consistently took a creative, multi-tiered approach to marketing, and built mutually-beneficial partnerships.

• Created a new revenue stream and increased public awareness by establishing an after-hours event series.

• Led sensitive, high-profile communications initiatives for 2011 merger with George Washington University.

• Effectively managed department budget, communications associate, and outside consultants.

• Managed production for quarterly Members’ Magazine. Key editor and content manager for museum website.

• Promoted to manage department in January 2011.