Project Management
With several years of development experience in freelance, non-profit, special events, and filmmaking projects, John excels when the fit for your project is right. Non-proift work includes working as development director for Easter Seals of Iowa and the American Cancer Society, on multiple special events and fundraising projects/campaigns. Freelance work has been with, among many, the Des Moines Art District (the Artists Emporium, a successful collaborative fine art gallery in the Court District) and StageWest. Freelance work includes producing the 1998 Veterans fundraiser Doobie Brothers concert on the Court Avenue Bridge, and the Wild Rose Film Festival.
As a Certified Festival Manager, John has the credentialed training necessary to understand and develop a wide range of projects, predominantly in the arts, cultural and non-profit realm. Past projects include the Heartland Brewfest, Bobby Hansen Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Summer in the City, the Iowa Fringe Festival (two years), and the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival.
John established I'll Make Me a World in Iowa (IMMAWII), fundraising and developing the project during its initial four years into a thriving, statewide organization. Still serving on its Advisory Board, he continues to volunteer time as IMMAWII continues to bring in national celebrities for its annual Celebration Day, as it continues its mission as a diverse collaboration of Iowans, which highlights African-American arts, culture and contributions through education, awareness and preservation during an annual enrichment celebration and with continual educational outreach.
John also was the manager for Music/Theatre Artists, a national touring company which performed from Las Vegas to New York, including a 5-week USO Tour in the Caribbean. As manager, John was responsible for securing all bookings, addressing all company needs, developing new venues and opportunities, and managing all travel/accommodation needs. This company toured national for 4-1/2 years, appearing at the Sands and the Sahara in Las Vegas.