Kurt Howard
La Vista,NE
Summary
Seasoned administrator with strong leadership skills and significant experience in strategic planning, team building, and financial management. Highly skilled at driving growth by leveraging resources, creating partnerships, and aligning operational processes to business objectives. Demonstrated success in developing effective strategies that significantly improve efficiency and bottom-line profit. Known for fostering innovation, managing risk effectively, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Producing Director and Production Stage Manager
Fort Worth Opera
Fort Worth, USA
04.2024 - Current
Producing Director
Opera Omaha
Omaha, USA
05.2019 - 05.2023
- Development, oversight and management of more than 50% of the company expenses for all productions performing in stagione format including artists, orchestra, designers (including USA Local 829), IATSE technicians and wardrobe crews, stage management staff and rehearsal/performance facilities.
- Created a human-centered work environment while still maintaining union-level payroll and benefits compliance. Led company retreats to interrogate company mission and programs. Reports to General and Artistic Director.
- Development, oversight and management of $2.1 million production budget for 3+ productions performing in stagione format including artists, orchestra, designers (including USA Local 829), IATSE technicians and wardrobe crews, stage management staff and rehearsal/performance facilities. Key team member in development of new commissions and co-productions. Leading the field in centering the humans who create our art by improving contracting terms and customizing each guest artist experience while weathering a global pandemic.
- Led the Community Engagement department in all efforts to expand on the artistic offerings both surrounding, and separate from, the Mainstage performances. Led company DEI programming during pandemic and created a DEI leadership position at the company. Direct reports included Director of Production, Head of Music, Technical Director, Community Programs Director. Reported to General Director.
Director of Program and Grants
OPERA AMERICA
New York, USA
01.2018 - 06.2019
- As Director of Programs and Grants, moved the grantmaking review and award process into an online portal to create smoother analysis of grants, tracking of the application and award process and gathering of both hard and soft data regarding grant outcomes. Continued as lead for all annual conference planning. Supervised the Artistic department to meet revenue and expense goals and all timelines. Led the Leadership Intensive program for identifying and nurturing administrative talent. Created the infrastructure of the Women's Opera Network and Mentorship program. Reported to President and CEO and Board Treasurer.
Managing Director
OPERA AMERICA
New York, USA
05.2014 - 12.2017
- As Managing Director, responsible for all financial reporting, analysis and HR functions for both the organization and on behalf of the member organizations. Responsible for all HR functions, for the staff, including sourcing, hiring and terminating staff for the operations and the facility staff. Led accumulating of field data and reporting of both financial and HR functions. Managed all vendor and programming functions for annual conference. Led the company institution of Anti-Harassment programming and filed resources. Led the Finance/HR Network, creating timely discussions and field resources. Managed engagement with audit and investment vendors and committees. Principal liaison with all board committees and functions.
Producing Director / Director of Productions / Production Stage Manager
Fort Worth Opera
Fort Worth, USA
08.2004 - 05.2014
- Development, oversight and management of $2.4 million production budget for 4 productions performing in repertory format including artists, orchestra, designers (including USA Local 829), IATSE technicians and wardrobe crews, stage management staff and rehearsal/performance facilities. Key team member in development of new commissions and co-productions. Creation of and management for new works program for unpublished composers (Frontiers launched in 2012).
Office Manager
The Shorr Group
Chicago, USA
01.1999 - 03.2001
- Managed accounts receivable, payable and commission payments for a boutique for-profit executive search firm.
Director of Finance
Economic Club of Chicago
Chicago, USA
04.1996 - 12.1998
- Solely responsible all financial tracking and reporting for a non-profit membership organization, including sourcing and hiring of staff, managing vendors, receivables and payables. Reported to CEO and Board Treasurer.
Executive Director
Uptown Opera
Spokane, USA
03.1994 - 12.1995
- Responsible for all operations of not-for-profit organization. Designed, produced, and implemented all print, radio, and TV marketing materials to support two productions each season. Negotiated contracts with artists, staff, and designers. Wrote grants. Created, implemented and executed fund-raising campaigns and events. Developed and maintained budgets. Managed volunteer board.
Executive Assistant to the General Director
Michigan Opera Theatre, Opera Pacific
Detroit, USA
04.1988 - 06.1994
- Production involvement for over 30 operas, musicals, ballets and special events. Served as company liaison for Pavarotti in Concert and An Evening with Placido Domingo. Provided conceptual input in production planning. Represented organization and General Director in public and internal affairs. Supervised senior staff on special projects, including launch of ballet productions. Designed and managed implementation of new volunteer structure. Scheduled and managed General Director between three companies (Detroit, Costa Mesa, Dayton). Administration of all Board meetings, committees, and activities. Served as Interim Director of Finance, and Detroit Opera House Project Manager.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Technical Theatre, Chemical Engineering
University of California, Santa Barbara
Skills
- Budget management
- Production coordination
- Contract negotiation
- Financial analysis
- Strategic planning
- Data tracking
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Creative problem solving
- Resource allocation
- Project management
- Multitasking and organization
- Business strategy
- Non-profit management
- Charismatic leader
- Budget control
- Cast and crew supervision
- Business administration
- Contract and vendor management
- Human resources management
- Innovation management
- Employee development
- Crisis management
- Change management
- Financial reporting
- Analytical thinking
Timeline
Producing Director and Production Stage Manager
Fort Worth Opera
04.2024 - Current
Producing Director
Opera Omaha
05.2019 - 05.2023
Director of Program and Grants
OPERA AMERICA
01.2018 - 06.2019
Managing Director
OPERA AMERICA
05.2014 - 12.2017
Producing Director / Director of Productions / Production Stage Manager
Fort Worth Opera
08.2004 - 05.2014
Office Manager
The Shorr Group
01.1999 - 03.2001
Director of Finance
Economic Club of Chicago
04.1996 - 12.1998
Executive Director
Uptown Opera
03.1994 - 12.1995
Executive Assistant to the General Director
Michigan Opera Theatre, Opera Pacific
04.1988 - 06.1994
Some College (No Degree) - Technical Theatre, Chemical Engineering
University of California, Santa Barbara