I’m a Problem Solver and Technology and Innovation Professional passionate about building projects from ideas based on little to no precedence. I’m interested in what’s new and next. I want to know how it works and how it can create better products and improved services. I lead projects from initial briefing to launch day and beyond, with direct responsibility for the day-to-day management of process and workflow. I’m in it from concept to completion.
About me
I work at Visual Horizon Communications, a privately owned staging and events company based in Minnesota. The experience has allowed me to experiment with how work can be done differently by applying new and emerging technologies in the industry.
With an insatiable curiosity and a deep understanding of the latest technologies in live events, video, and content production, I can provide solutions to your most challenging problems. I have collaborated with internal and external teams to design and execute successful experiences for audiences ranging from 50 to 13,000 people.
Before stepping into corporate and live events, I was in the journalism and media industry in domestic and international capacities. As a result, the work exposed me to many unique experiences. Besides working for Channel 5 and CONUS, I operated freelance until I settled down to pursue a graduate degree while working at Target Corporation for over 11 years.
I can help you! I get answers, navigate hurdles, and move projects forward.
Experience
Visual Horizon Communications
2015 - Present
VICE PRESIDENT
Create, communicate and implement company vision and mission.
Evaluate and fine tune strategies based on success and opportunities.
Maintain awareness of competitive landscape, growth opportunities and markets.
Oversee operations and structure based on established strategic plans.
Form, staff, mentor and lead team to accomplish strategic business initiatives.
Responsible for overall annual budget and overhead plans. Lead development of virtual meeting platform for client utilization.
Develop and maintain Information Security, Acceptable Use, Password Policies, and Service Level Agreement documents.
Twisted Oak LLC
2014 - 2018
MANAGING PARTNER
Managed the startup of a small wood-fired pizza business.
Negotiated with food and equipment vendors for the best possible prices.
Designed and executed marketing initiatives.
Collaborated with business owners and customers to provide food service at wineries, breweries and private venues in the southwest metro area of the Twin Cities.
Worked alongside co-partners to make the best wood oven pizza!
Target
2004 - 2015
SR. PRODUCER, PROJECT MANAGER, MEETINGS AND EXPERIENCES
Responsible for managing the creative delivery of Target meetings, presentations and events. Responsible for discovery of new technology benefiting the department and overall.
Managed the on-site production of Target’s National Sales Meeting of 15k attendees.
Responsible for Staging, Crew, and Artist Coordination of major acts. Collaborated with “Core Team,” including Meeting Planner; Content Producer; Art Director. Develop strategy for attendee experience based on key company initiatives for brand growth.
Evolved the National Sales Meeting from Proscenium to Theatre in the Round to meet projected growth of 15k attendees.
Extensive travel to India and China to implement corporate meetings to retain stateside experience continuity. Created local teams and relationships comprised of vendors and key contacts, allowing for on budget delivery of projects.
Discovery, familiarity and implementation of latest event technology.
Responsible for overall production budgets ranging from $25k - $10m.
Special Assignments (Non-Traditional; Specialized)
Led research and development of 3D technological workflow for online and mobile applications.
Began collaboration with third-party 3D fabricator to develop print-on-demand fabric and clothing.
Led interoperability project connecting enterprise radio system with overall public safety communication system in downtown Minneapolis.
Government
Collaborated with Department of Defense on “Library Makeover” project.
Established two-way, San Diego / Indian Ocean battleship video call consisting of multiple military-civilian uplink and downlink locales.
Negotiated access and permissions with US Navy and NSA on Navy/NSA property.
Coordinated and negotiated coverage permissions with White House Press Office; established White House press pool parameters during inaguration week at Target events.
ONSITE MEETING PRODUCER, PROJECT MANAGER, MEETINGS AND EXPERIENCES
Responsible for executing the creative delivery of Target meetings, presentations and events.
Established onsite schedules and budgets and partnered with Art Direction team to concept scenic design and construction.
Conducted venue surveys with Meeting Planning team.
Generated floor plans and visual renderings.
Contracted and scheduled Technical Director, Lighting and Audio Designer and external vendors.
Coordinated logistics, set up and Executive Rehearsals. Closely monitor budget throughout production.
Channel 5 Eyewitness News
2000 - 2003
PHOTOJOURNALIST
Assisted with support of Emmy Award winning daily morning show news coverage throughout the Twin Cities. Shot and edited news stories under short deadlines for use in daily newscasts. Ensured highest level of lighting and audio within all video produced.
Taped, edited, and broadcast news with reporter; from the field, for KSTP Eyewitness New Morning Show.
Alerted newsroom staff of exclusive stories and breaking news from the field.
Established outstanding rapport with reporters and became known as the most requested photojournalist who never missed a deadline.
Operated Electronic News Gathering (ENG) truck, and set up live shots for remote broadcasts.
CONUS Communications
1997 - 2000
FIELD OPERATIONS PRODUCER
Managed and created Emmy Award winning news content for affiliate television news stations and networks for use in daily reporting. Responsible for the proper execution of major live breaking news events throughout the country including satellite, video and crew logistics. Developed and maintained strong relationships with television news personnel at affiliate stations.
Operated master control uplink and downlink facilities and mobile satellite units.
Wrote and edited scripts and corresponding video for daily feeds; handled special requests for news archive tape and live shots, and interfaced daily with member stations.
Created photojournalism department and supervised a staff of five.
Covered major national news, including the Columbine High School Shootings, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, & other large national news events.
Developed strong relationships with television news personnel at all levels.
Planned and executed live coverage of the 2000 Republican and Democratic National Presidential conventions.
Earned an Emmy award for best on-going television series Hardware Myths & Mysteries.
Main point of contact for White House Press Pool field coverage.
Skills
Attributes
Technology Management
Accountability
Innovation
Project Management
Budgeting
Business Relationships
Team Leadership
Technical Proficiencies
Internet of Things
FAA Certified Part 107 UAV Pilot
IFTT
UAV Mapping
Vectorworks
Adobe Creative Cloud
Final Cut Pro X
Personal Interests
Photography
Videography
Culinary Arts
Travel
Scuba Diving
Land Management
Green Technology
Education
University of Saint Thomas Opus College of Business
Master of International Management
Certificate, Social Media Marketing
Cornell University
Certificate, 5G Strategy and Innovation
Brown College
Bachelor of Science, Communications and Media
