1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
In many ways, the Madison Region Economic Partnership functions like a startup because we are charting a course for regional economic development work not performed before in the eight-county Madison region. It is very rewarding to be responsible for new initiatives as defined by our Advance Now Strategy for economic growth. For example, my work in marketing the Madison region allows me to cultivate new relationships with site selectors and develop data-rich stories about our industries and workforce. It is also very rewarding to implement initiatives that are acutely relevant to today’s economy and population — like our Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Survey and the Economic Development & Diversity Summit we hosted in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison this May. Among the more challenging aspects of the job is simply the fact that economic development is a long-term pursuit. We don’t see results overnight. While we certainly achieve and recognize shorter-term progress and outcomes, the ultimate goal of sustained economic growth requires time, persistence, patience, and trust in the process.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I have to tip my hat to Susan Labelle, managing director of the UW Office of Corporate Relations. Susan is smart as a whip and perfect for the leadership position at OCR. With a background in marketing within the life science and health care sectors, I admire the many accomplishments she has achieved in growing the brand and revenue of major industry players. She has seamlessly translated that experience into her new role as “the university’s front door to business,” a fitting position for her since she so keenly understands the voice of business. She exudes confidence, yet remains subtle and strategic in her approach toward guiding change. She is also committed to mentoring younger professionals toward reaching career goals. Her top-notch sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
Looking back at my career to date, it’s hard to ignore April 25, 2012 — the day when Thrive (now the Madison Region Economic Partnership) unveiled the Advance Now Strategy for economic growth. After an intense eight-month strategy development process that included extensive quantitative and qualitative research, input from 2,000+ regional leaders and citizens, and a roadshow of 40+ presentations across eight counties, my colleagues and I finally shared with the public an economic development action plan that has the potential to chart a better course for the Madison region. I was privileged to be an integral member of the team that led to Advance Now’s development, and I am proud of the work and investment that went into creating this plan. We are now deep into implementation of the Advance Now Strategy, and I have 100% confidence in its efficacy, knowing that it contains the type of proactive economic development initiatives necessary to propel our region forward.
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4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I would encourage myself to dig a little deeper to understand what truly drives me. At 21, I envisioned a lifetime career in arts administration based on my connection to the performing arts. And while I loved the seven years I spent working in nonprofit arts marketing, I am now equally fulfilled by my career in economic development marketing. That’s because I have discovered the underlying passions and skills that truly fuel my professional motivation and inspiration — communications, creativity, and community collaboration. These three interests are germane to both arts marketing and economic development marketing, and have helped me to realize a new world of professional opportunity centered on a better understanding of my own motivations.
5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Here’s what I love about Dane County: We have Bucky Badger and all the assets of a world-class university. We have four seasons. We have a reasonable cost of living and easy commutes (at least as compared to the five years I spent in Washington, D.C.). We have access to a wide variety of professional opportunities within a network that is still small enough to feel navigable. We have countless opportunities for community involvement. Last, but certainly not least, we have business and civic leaders who recognize both the opportunities and challenges facing Dane County, and are actively working to address them.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
Well, these talents are probably better termed “dormant” than “secret,” but I am a trained dancer and pianist who used to perform at every chance available. I basically grew up in the dance studio, taking my first ballet lesson at age three and continuing beyond college. I performed in The Nutcracker for nine years, was a member of Jazzworks Dance Company for five years, and took to the stage for many other classical ballets and musicals. I also taught dance in an after-school outreach program in Washington, D.C. I took piano lessons for about 12 years and performed frequently as a soloist and in small chamber ensembles. While I still have a great love for these art forms, I am now better suited as an audience member than a performer.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Chocolate milk! Being a Wisconsin native, I’m more or less required to like milk. But throw some chocolate in the mix, and it becomes a heavenly libation. I have read multiple articles citing chocolate milk as the perfect post-exercise recovery drink, so I’m using that as my new excuse!
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