Where do you work, and what does your company or organization do?
I am director of marketing and public relations for Houston Ballet, America’s fourth largest ballet company, which has been hailed by The New York Times as “one of the nation’s best ballet companies.” Houston Ballet gives over 80 performances a year of all different types of dance in Houston and on tour nationally and internationally. We also have a wonderful school for young dancers that attracts top talent from all over the world.
Briefly describe your job.
My team is responsible for selling $6.3 million worth of tickets to Houston Ballet performances, including $3.4 million worth of tickets to our lavish holiday blockbuster, The Nutcracker. I manage an eleven person team, and oversee our customer service, public relations, advertising, telemarketing, and online marketing initiatives.
If you weren’t at your current job, what would you want to be doing instead?
Director of Marketing for the Royal National Theater in London.
What is your all-time favorite marketing campaign or brand?
Lately I’ve fallen in love with Google Chrome’s TV and web campaigns in support of the “It Gets Better” project’s Youtube videos that help prevent suicide among teenagers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It’s a flawless example of “cause marketing” that non-profits strive for. Google positions itself as a progressive, compassionate company that cares about the future of America’s youth, while joining forces with such trendsetters as Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway, Adam Lambert, and Kathy Griffin in support of a stellar cause. The spots are beautifully executed, and they may just help save young lives. Who could ask for anything better?
What’s your favorite food or drink?
For food, it’s a tie between Pasta Fiorenze and Tollhouse Crunch Cake at Empire Café. As for drink, nothing can beat mocha frappuccino venti at Starbucks.
How long have you been an AMA Houston member?
Since 2006
What’s your favorite thing about AMA Houston?
AMA Houston provides very targeted, highly useful educational opportunities for non-profit marketing professionals. There’s no other organization providing this type, or caliber, of services to Houston’s non-profit marketers. And there’s a huge need for these educational and professional development opportunities.
