MW&A Lures Lincoln Center Exec to  

Ballet West!

How do you lure the successful Lincoln Center Film Society's Director of Development from New York City to Salt Lake City?  You offer him the Director of Advancement and External Affairs position with Ballet West!

Fundraising executive Tom Michel's philosophy about attracting long-term supporters for the arts is simple: "No one has to give," says Michel. "So truly, our job is to make sure our partners, patrons and supporters are getting something they love, that makes them want to keep giving and coming back." That theory will guide his new advancement initiatives at Ballet West, and made Michel successful in the senior Marketing and Development roles at the Film Society at Lincoln Center for a decade, and in previous posts at the New York City Ballet, Metropolitan Opera, and MTV.

Now Michel says Ballet West is uniquely positioned to deliver to the community as never before. "We have a new $20 million dollar building, national touring dates, exposure on a national TV show, and a brand new academy. Ballet West is now 50 years old, and ready to take off again," Michel says. "It is an ideal time for deepening the commitment to everything we bring Salt Lake City's robust arts community." Michel was also attracted by the opportunity to press re-set by leaving NYC to move to Salt Lake City.

Ballet West's Executive Director Scott Altman welcomes Michel's arrival as the company grows into its next half century. "Tom brings that national and international perspective that is invaluable. We feel very fortunate to have him on board."

Based on his long-time work with some of the world's most prestigious performing arts groups and presenters, MW&A encouraged Michel to become a candidate for the Ballet West. "I'm ready for this adventure," says Michel.

Project Tomorrow Gains Advancement Guru

In September, Greg Nicholson steps into his new role as Director of Advancement at Project Tomorrow in Irvine. "Perfect timing", Nicholson says. He believes the strong recovery from the recession means huge fundraising potential for education-focused programs. "Sophisticated foundations know there are so many worthwhile projects out there," says Nicholson, who joins Project Tomorrow after 7 years at the Cotsen Foundation in Santa Monica.  

"Project Tomorrow has everything funders are looking for-- amazing research and data, stable leadership and a strong and diverse funding base." Nicholson also values Project Tomorrow's consistent commitment to bringing the voice of teachers and students into policy decisions.   

Project Tomorrow's CEO, Julie Evans knew this hire was critical.  "Working with MW&A on this search was one of the best decisions that I have ever made in 15 years of being the CEO of Project Tomorrow."

MW&A concluded the successful executive search after meeting Greg's mom (!) in Pennsylvania,where she is a friends of the board chair of another MW&A non-profit client. Relationships, right?

Our clients know that the MW&A team is fully committed to making every grant proposal, search candidate interview, development department assessment and family foundation site visit an unqualified success.  And what a team they are!

Megan Seltzer, Senior Development Associate

Megan has been an Associate with MW&A since August of 2012, and manages the MW&A grants development and research services as well as the day-to-day administrative functions of the office. Prior to MW&A, Megan worked as Program Coordinator for The Caterina's Club in Anaheim.  She has also volunteered extensively for local organizations, such as Crittenton Services for Children and Families in Fullerton, Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles and the American Heart Association Inland Empire Chapter.   

Vanessa Briseno, Foundation Relations and Philanthropic Advisement Associate

Vanessa brings 15 years of high level philanthropic advisement and grants development to MW&A.  For over six years, Vanessa served as program officer at the Annenberg Foundation, providing her with an in-depth knowledge and cultural understanding of foundation and non-profit environments alike.  

In addition to assisting with MW&A's grant-making foundation clients, Vanessa is a highly skilled and successful grant writer, including procuring a $30M Promise Neighborhoods grant for Youth Policy Institute in Los Angeles.  Vanessa primarily works with MW&A's education and youth and family services clients.

Stephanie Christian, Marketing Associate   

 

Stephanie assists our clients with marketing  and e-communications needs.  A skilled social media and online marketing expert, Stephanie also manages all collateral design and production. Prior to joining the MW&A team, she spent six years leading the marketing and development efforts for two local history museums. She also worked for three years supporting the efforts to make Orange County a better place as  marketing associate for a local community foundation.