Current Position: Coordinator of Public Information for Ozarks Technical College
Laura French (Brand) graduated from Drury University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in arts administration and music. During her time at Drury, Laura was actively involved in university’s music and theater departments.
Laura currently serves as the Coordinator of Public Information for Ozarks Technical Community College. At OTC, Laura supports the Marketing and Communications department by writing OTC communications and managing the college’s social media accounts. Prior to her appointment at OTC, Laura worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks in fundraising and development.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys performing as the lead singer for the local band – The Wings of Swing Big Band.
Current Position: Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO
Abby Glenn grew up as a performer having a background as a violinist, vocalist, and being involved in theatre. This background and involvement in the arts developed her passion for pursuing a degree in arts administration. Abby earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration, Vocal Performance and Theatre Performance in 2011 as well as her Masters in Nonprofit Communication in 2013. Abby has also earned a certificate in leadership studies, social media, and grant writing.
While in school, Abby had the opportunity to work with several local nonprofit organizations in both a professional and volunteer capacity including Springfield Ballet, Springfield Regional Opera, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Ozarks Food Harvest, and C.A.S.A. of Southwest Missouri. Her specialty within the nonprofit industry is focused on event planning, development, and volunteer management. Abby currently serves board member of the Pi Beta Phi Springfield, Missouri Alumnae Club and is the Public Relations Director for Rotaract Springfield. Abby began her current position as the Development Associate for Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO in December 2014. When she is not working or volunteering, Abby enjoys reading and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies.
Current Position: Development Manager for Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Elizabeth Hurst is Development Manager for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra specializing in strategic fundraising. Her main objectives for the organization are to continue pursuit of sustainable and diverse funding sources for the Symphony and to communicate added value of having a regional professional orchestra in this community. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Arts Administration and is currently finishing her Master of Business Administration degree from Drury. As an undergraduate, she studied voice and piano and was a member of Drury Singers, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and Opera, Treasurer of Student Advocates for the Arts where she helped to implement the first Self-Employment in the Arts Conference, and interned for the Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks and SDCO. After five years of corporate work, Elizabeth is glad to be working and advocating in her chosen field. Elizabeth and her husband Justin are Springfield natives and enjoy spending time with their dogs and entertaining friends. She is an active member of South Street Christian Church, a Drury affiliated Disciples of Christ Church.
Current Position: Managing Director, Stages, Houston, TX
Katie Maltais is the Managing Director of Stages, a professional theater in Houston TX. Katie is a values-driven leader who centers teamwork, transparency, and striving towards an anti-oppressive world. She joined Stages in August of 2021 and has since navigated Stages through Covid and the challenges of creating theater in a post-pandemic environment. She helms Stages’ strategic planning efforts, and oversees the fundraising, marketing, finance, and operations teams. Prior to joining Stages, Katie served as Managing Director at Curious Theatre Company in Denver, Colorado, where she created “The Loyalty Target,” a progressive model of arts administration that has been adopted by arts organizations across the United States and Europe. Under her leadership, Curious saw an explosion in community building and audience diversity, as well as achievements in brand clarity and budget stabilization. Previously, Katie served on the executive team of the Lone Tree Arts Center, where she led the organization through a period of exponential growth. She also worked for the international consulting firm TRG Arts, where Katie oversaw the client services team as well as personally worked with such notable organizations as Nederlander Alliances, Center Theatre Group, Goodman Theatre, and Arts Club Theatre Company. She received her BA in Arts Administration and Theatre from Drury University, located in Springfield, Missouri.
Current Position: Office Manager for Nonprofit Connect
Amanda received a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration in 2006, which led to her position as Finance Director for the Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC), a post she held from 2007-2013. In that position she performed all bookkeeping functions for SRAC and seven other nonprofit organizations. She also managed SRAC’s membership program. In Springfield, Amanda enjoyed being a member of The Network for Springfield’s young professionals.
Amanda moved to Kansas City, MO, in 2013 where she now works for Nonprofit Connect as Office Manager, a position that allows her to continue her passion for finance, while exploring the rest of the nonprofit sector. She has joined the Kansas City chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and is excited to get to know the nonprofit community and experience all that Kansas City has to offer.
Current Position: Administrative Assistant for the World Chess Hall of Fame
Following her graduation from the Arts Administration Program, Allison moved to Saint Louis after accepting a position at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Currently serving as the institution’s Administrative Assistant, she gains experience working alongside a variety of museum professionals who create an ever-changing variety of chess inspired art and history exhibits.
During her first few years in Saint Louis she gained additional experience at the Saint Louis Regional Arts Commission. Initially beginning work as a grants intern, she was eventually brought onto the team as their Gallery Manager. In this role she assisted curators and artists with rotating exhibits showcasing the Saint Louis creative community. Allison eventually left this position to work at the Hall of Fame full time and continues to explore avenues to engage in the Saint Louis arts environment.
Current Position: Membership Development Coordinator for the Springfield Regional Arts Council
Alexandra Saner graduated from Drury University in 2011 with degrees in Arts Administration, Theatre, and Global Studies. She currently serves as the Membership Development Coordinator at the Springfield Regional Arts Council and on the Board of Directors for the Springfield Sister Cities Association. She has worked as a Stage Manager for several local production companies including SRO Lyric Theatre, Springfield Contemporary Theatre, and A Class Act Productions. In September of 2013, she co-produced Nocturnal Bloom, Springfield’s first electronic music and performing arts festival on Park Central Square.
Current Position: Georgetown University, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Director of Development and oversees the Bellinger Bike Ride
Jonathan Thomas is the Assistant Manager for Major Gifts and Trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. On a team of almost 70 fundraising professionals, Thomas maintains a portfolio of approximately 100 major donors to the Center, including 36 presidentially appointed Trustees. “Working for the National Cultural Center is a dream,” said Thomas. “Each day I walk into a building that impacts millions of people every year through excellent artistic and educational programs—I could not imagine a better career.”
Current Position: Marketing Manager for Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Jeana Varney is the Marketing Manager for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Her main objectives for the organization are building community awareness of the Symphony, building and sustaining media relationships for the Symphony, and managing the grant writing and research process for the Symphony. Jeana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Drury University. Prior to her appointment at the Symphony, Jeana interned with the Springfield Little Theatre as its Marketing and Development Intern, as well as Robert Swaney Consulting, Inc. where she assisted in historical funding analysis and development plan scheduling. After seven years of corporate work, Jeana is excited to be working in the Springfield art scene. When she is not working, Jeana enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her dog.