Hi everyone! We're thrilled to have you all joining us for this new community! I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm Colleen Miller and I am one of the co-chairs of this community. I am the Advancement Operations Manager for Olney Theatre Center in Maryland. As I like to say, I'm basically the stage manager for the advancement team in that I do all of the behind the scenes work to make things run smoothly for our gift officers (and, when needed, I crack the whip to make sure they're hitting their marks!) I've been using Tessitura in fundraising for nearly 10 years now, beginning with an internship at Phoenix Theatre, then at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and finally at Olney Theatre where I've been for almost 5 years. I'm looking forward to talking with everyone here about all things fundraising and development!
Hello! I'm the other co-chair of this new community! I'm Taylor Logan. I'm the Development, Finance Strategy and Operations Analyst at The Public Theater in NYC (though I currently live in Chicago). I've been with The Public for over 6 years working in a variety of development operation roles, now managing our budgets and projections. I have a deep passion for Tessitura and systems and helping people feel impowered to use the system with ease. I'm so excited for this new space to discuss new ideas and collaborate on best practices!
Hi Colleen, Taylor & Fellow Fundraisers
I am new (half a year in) to both fundraising and Tessitura. Previously, I worked in marketing in NYC and used Salesforce and Association Anywhere databases.
In my short time at Neon Museum, I've helped to start our first Plan Maintenance work, among other projects. We have one database manager who's helped to onboard me here (and new database trainer). I've also appreciated support from our local TUG and the Analytic Coffee community.
I'm glad to find this new group, specific to Development/Advancement.
Would love to hear more from other members...
Hello! Very happy to see this group formed, and looking forward to learning along with you all. I've been using Tessitura for 6 years now, started in ticketing but now in fundraising. I feel as though I've only ever "survived" during this time, not having had much time to learn. I'm looking forward to a phase in my career now where I'll be able to spend time intentionally learning more about Tessitura and finding ways to optimize all the features.
Hey Colleen,
I love how you described your job and might have to steal it- I do a similar thing as Director of Development Operations at Manhattan Theatre Club. And on a side note- I grew up in Olney so I'm very familiar with the theater :)
Haha, you should definitely steal it! And that's so cool! Let me know if you're ever in town and I'll try to hook you up with some tickets!