Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Foundations and Philanthropy
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Koelz Armetta

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic marketing and branding arts professional with extensive experience in business development and strategic planning. Skilled in developing integrated marketing strategies, fostering key partnerships, and managing client relationships to drive revenue growth. Proven success in overseeing multi-million dollar projects and executing impactful marketing initiatives that enhance brand visibility and market presence.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director

Chicago Architecture Biennial
Chicago, Illinois
02.2025 - Current

Introduced new revenue model and development strategy to enhance operational efficiency at CAB.
Established neighborhood hubs to increase community accessibility and participation.
Recruited full team to strengthen ability to execute on the strategic plan.
Collaborated with Artistic Director on comprehensive exhibition planning initiatives.
Managed PR and marketing strategies, effectively fostering agency relationships.
Constructed operational and production budgets to optimize financial resource allocation.
Cultivated partnerships with museums, academic institutions, and media for outreach expansion.
Engaged local organizations to revitalize Chicago Loop and enhance community connections. Collaborated with civic institutions including DCASE, Navy Pier and the Millenium Park.

Owner/Director

ENGAGE Projects
Chicago, IL
11.2020 - Current

Launched ENGAGE Projects in October 2021 with a mission to cultivate artist careers through community-oriented programs.
Provided opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists specializing in painting, sculpture, and photography.
Orchestrated large-scale museum shows at off-site venues to increase artist exposure.
Formed partnerships nationwide while fostering relationships with collectors and institutions globally.
Recognized as a top 50 dealer within three years, featuring artists listed among the top 75 worldwide.
Secured major artwork acquisitions by leading global museums, contributing to cultural dialogues.
Created impactful public art installations that revitalized numerous cities around the globe.
Engaged corporate clients like Mayo Clinic, Chicago Board of Trade, DIOR and Kelly Wearstler to elevate fine art access.

Broker/Fine Art Consultant

Christies International Real Estate
Chicago, IL
02.2016 - Current

Achieved over $75 million in sales within 18 months, contributing to $250 million in luxury real estate sales.
Ranked among top 1% of brokers in Chicago with a client base of 10,000 individuals.
Established deep community connections, facilitating numerous transactions through a robust network.
Developed innovative marketing strategies, including media plans, events, and outreach programs, leading to higher sale prices and reduced market times.
Negotiated successfully in multi-million dollar transactions, achieving favorable terms for clients.
Implemented fine art experience strategy to assist collectors in creating homes that showcase collections effectively.

Gallery Owner/Art Consultant

Jennifer Armetta Fine Art
Chicago, IL
04.1996 - 11.2020

Opened gallery to support emerging and mid-career artists through exhibitions and acquisitions.
Successfully launched multiple artists within Chicago market, enhancing visibility.
Secured support from local museums and national collectors for artist acquisitions.
Cultivated industry relationships with financial advisors, investment managers, and architects.
Positioned gallery as an advocate for artists, promoting personal and professional development.

Head of Growth/Consultant

Trala, Inc.
Chicago, IL
08.2019 - 02.2020

Created and executed targeted business development strategy focused on retail, instructors, and industry influencers.
Established integrated marketing partnerships with leading online retailers, boosting both online and offline visibility.
Structured and negotiated significant deals with top violinists, resulting in revenue generation through app involvement.
Designed actionable distribution programs by identifying key national and global partners for Trala.
Oversaw implementation of marketing initiatives while managing relationships with all partners.
Engaged C-suite executives through effective presentations, strengthening business collaborations.
Generated ongoing co-branded promotions that enhanced product bundles and market reach.

Founder

4Entertainmentjobs.com
Los Angeles
04.2000 - 10.2007

Established 4EJ.com as innovative startup in lucrative job search market.
Created subscription model for nationwide entertainment industry job listings.
Executed business plan while managing partner relations and directing branding initiatives.
Enhanced customer engagement by converting pay-per-post model to subscription service.
Achieved over 200% revenue growth within two years due to minimal overhead and solid partnerships.
Sold 4EJ in 2007 after sustained revenue growth and market presence.

Director of Partner Marketing

House of Blues Corporate
Hollywood, CA
08.1998 - 01.2003

Established strategic alliances to enhance HOB brand marketing reach through integrated partnerships.
Expanded and nurtured corporate partnerships, leading to increased national brand awareness.
Directed a 15-member team within the new Partner Marketing department at HOB.
Crafted client-specific marketing programs, overseeing plan execution with partners and agencies.
Designed sponsorship programs for tours and venues, generating retail revenue streams for HOB.
Collaborated with C-Suite executives to align HOB assets with strategic objectives.
Managed internal and partner communications to ensure cohesive marketing efforts.

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Integrated Marketing International
Chicago, IL
08.1994 - 07.1998

Created and managed luxury events to generate sponsorship revenue through experiential marketing.
Developed strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships to enhance client engagement.
Oversaw client relationships and a dedicated team to execute high-profile events.
Designed media and retail strategies that increased exposure and revenue for clients.
Collaborated with City of Chicago and Mayor's Office of Special Events to introduce new events.
Served high-profile clients including Ferrari, American Express, CNA Insurance, and Rolex.
Facilitated successful sale of IMI to DDB Needham, ensuring smooth transition.

Sales

AH Robins
Chicago, IL
01.1992 - 06.1994

Delivered presentations to educate doctors on new cardiac drugs and boost sales.
Achieved significant territory improvement, rising from 50th to 6th position in under one year.
Researched product information for physicians, facilitating integration into treatment protocols.
Collaborated with residents to ensure effective implementation of AH Robbins products.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Art History/Psychology

Boston University
1991

Skills

  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Business Development
  • Creative Strategic Thinker
  • Highly developed negotiation skills
  • Advanced Marketing and Fundraising Skills
  • Strategic Planning and Program Leadership

Foundations and Philanthropy

Chicago Artists Coalition - Executive Board Member

CAC was founded over 50 years ago to support emerging local artists. CAC is a cornerstone of the Chicago arts community launching many successful careers and providing valuable support to the artists through connections with arts leaders in Chicago.

Artists in Public Schools (formerly CPS Lives) - Board Member/Artist Liason

APS offers artist residencies that bring expansive, culturally-tailored experiences to Chicago schools
and students. Founded in 2017, APS was created to integrate artists and cultural producers into CPS through paid artist residencies. 

Lurie Children's Hospital - Founders Board, Advocacy Committee

For 136 years, the Board has supported the hospital through its members' active engagement and philanthropy, stewardship and fundraising, advocacy, hospital governance and volunteerism. The Advocacy Committee is highly involved in legislating for children's rights in Washington DC in healthcare and beyond, insuring that children are heard and cared for.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago -Executive Board Member, Founding Member, Emerge
The Executive Members oversee the direction of the museum's acquisition board, focused on bringing new artists into the MCA's permanent collection. The board has grown from 5 to 60+ members, raising upwards of $60K/year in monies dedicated to new acquisitions & educational programs.

PANDAS/PANS Advocacy and Support - Vice President, Legislation and Institutional Research
Pandas Advocacy and Support was created to provide funding for critical treatment to families who could not afford treatment for an autoimmune disease affecting millions of children. Successfully passed the second largest health care bill in Illinois in 2017 forcing insurance companies to pay for critical care for millions of children. Partners include Stanford, Harvard, Duke, Yale, Georgetown among others.

Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation - Partner/Advisor
Founded in 2015 to honor the legacy of Carolyn Glasoe Bailey, a highly successful and respected global fine art dealer and artist advocate. CGBF supports emerging and mid-career artists through awarding yearly grants and in residence programs, working with collectors to promote their work and providing additional gallery shows.

Museum of Contemporary Photography - Council Member
Committee dedicated to supporting emerging and established photographers.

Save the Children - Global Women's Group

Small group of women around the world dedicated to seeking solutions to the global challenges of lifting children out of poverty through grants, cultural change, education, and ongoing support.

Timeline

Executive Director

Chicago Architecture Biennial
02.2025 - Current

Owner/Director

ENGAGE Projects
11.2020 - Current

Head of Growth/Consultant

Trala, Inc.
08.2019 - 02.2020

Broker/Fine Art Consultant

Christies International Real Estate
02.2016 - Current

Founder

4Entertainmentjobs.com
04.2000 - 10.2007

Director of Partner Marketing

House of Blues Corporate
08.1998 - 01.2003

Gallery Owner/Art Consultant

Jennifer Armetta Fine Art
04.1996 - 11.2020

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Integrated Marketing International
08.1994 - 07.1998

Sales

AH Robins
01.1992 - 06.1994

Bachelor of Arts - Art History/Psychology

Boston University