As Residency Manager, I oversee the Artist in Residence Program and the Affiliate Artist Program. That involves everything from answering inquiries about the programs to organizing the application and jurying processes, scheduling artists and assigning artist housing and studio space. I’ve worked at Headlands for over 22 years: my past job experience ranged from being the Circulation Services Manager at a Public Library, a real estate paralegal in both Florida and California and a Nautilus trainer. I’m a painter and have an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute.
As a member of the Development team, I work to ensure Headland’s success by engaging current and potential supporters. I manage a diversity of fundraising and special events such as our annual Benefit Auction and help coordinate major gifts from donors and corporate sponsors. In the past I worked in arts and nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC and Texas. As a California transplant I spend my free time getting to know the Bay area, finding the perfect cup of coffee, cooking, and discovering new creative ventures.
As facilities manager, Christopher oversees the day-to-day care and maintenance of our facility and aims to make it a safe and productive place for artists to work and for visitors to visit. The long term goal is the rehabilitation and sustainability of our 75,000 square foot historic campus.
I was born in Chicago Illinois in 1965. I have lived in Illinois, Michigan. Massachusetts, England, South Carolina and of course California. I have an A.A. from Northwestern, a B.A. from Kendall, and an M.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute. My studies have included Literature, History, Biology and Fine Arts.
As Program Coordinator, I am the primary point of contact for the Affiliate Artist Program, the Alumni New Works Program, and the new Workshop Program series. In that capacity, I oversee the administrative aspects of those programs, from target promotions and activities planning to program development and submission filing, and many things in between. I graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute’s Urban Studies MA Program in 2011, and have previously undertaken several writing, editing, and curating projects with Bay Area and Seattle-based non-profit art organizations. In my spare time, I edit the quarterly DRIFT: A Magazine of West Coast Cultural Production.
Walking and talking. Thinking out loud. Making connections. My artistic practice outside the office attempts to tease out the uncanny in the quotidian, mostly through audio and video.
As Director of Development, I lead our efforts to raise funds in support of Headlands’ mission and programs. I work closely with our Board of Directors, donors and members, as well as our foundation and corporate partners. After ten years in New York working with organizations including Artis Contemporary Israeli Art Fund, Creative Time, and MoMA PS1, I am thrilled to be a west coaster once again and to spend my working life in the lovely Marin Headlands. Family, friends, adventuring, art, and music round out my days.
As Chef, I’m responsible for the creation of five dinners a week for the resident artists as well as cooking for larger public events. This involves everything from menu planning and shopping at the farmers market to cooking and doing dishes. I began my time at Headlands as a live-in kitchen intern for two years before being appointed Chef. In the past I’ve been a baker and pastry chef and spent some time working in the commercial printing industry. I’m a musician, though my current primary creative focus is food.
My role at Headlands is to enhance public understanding of Headlands’ mission and programs. I work closely with the different departments to promote all of Headlands’ offerings. I also work to expand Headlands’ audience and ensure that Headlands’ programs are accessible and relevant to the communities we serve.
When I am not plotting promotions, writing press releases, or drafting eBlast copy I can be found cooking in my kitchen, running a trail, walking the dog, visiting galleries, or watching a ball game (go Giants!)
As Executive Director I work closely with the staff and Board of Directors to envision and implement Headlands’ programs for artists and the public. I do this through fundraising, long-range planning, advocacy work, project management and partnership development. I am also responsible for our relationship with our primary partner, the National Park Service, and the long-term wellness and sustainability of the organization. I’ve worked with artists and nonprofit organizations in the Bay for the better part of the last dozen years. In my spare moments, I read, cook, walk in the Marin Headlands and practice regular furniture rearranging.
My job touches on everything having to do with finance from the everyday (such as making bank deposits and cutting checks), to the big picture (as in “how do we sustain a financially viable organization?”). This involves a lot of multi-tasking which pretty much describes my whole life!
I am Headlands’ grant writer and membership coordinator, which means I am in the business of using compelling words and conversation to tell Headlands’ rich story, create/maintain relationships, and encourage people to support the organization financially. I can also provide information about or help staff and artists with things like database use/management, getting quarters for the washing machine, and finding a postage stamp. I am getting a Master’s degree in graphic design at San Francisco State University, and I like to write. I also enjoy hot cider, roller coasters, ginger snaps, photography, that holiday feeling, the Midwest, sushi, subscriptions, colors that vibrate, beautiful books, running, and more!
As Sous Chef I assist Chef Damon Little in the kitchen to create all dinners and event meals. Being at Headlands is a time for me to immerse myself in the culinary arts. I have been practicing as a private chef on yachts for the past 3 years. Recently, I became certified as a Natural Chef from Bauman College and as a Holistic Health Counselor from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I received a BA in Art History from UCSC in 2001. When I have extra time, I like to go camping or home to Santa Cruz.
As Operations and Special Events Manager I run Headlands’ event rental program, coordinate volunteer outreach efforts, and provide support for the once a season Open House. In addition to managing day-to-day and general operations, I’ll occasionally help an artist track down a ladder or a karaoke machine, check in with the National Park Service about our local owl population, or unearth archival treasures in our attic.
When not at Headlands you can find me in Big Sur, at a ceramics class, or sitting next to my backyard campfire.