LAURA CLEMENT
New York City,NY
Summary
Senior executive with extensive experience leading complex, high-profile cultural institutions, artistic projects, and public spaces. I bring a values-driven approach to managing multi-million-dollar operations and building high-performing organizations, grounded in the belief that people do their best work when they feel seen, valued, and empowered. Known for navigating complexity with clarity, fostering strong organizational cultures, and delivering operational excellence while creating exceptional experiences for audiences, artists, staff and communities.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Little Island
NYC
10.2023 - Current
- Lead the organization through significant periods of growth and transformation, including a transition from a presenting to a commissioning model, increased operating budget and staffing, a refreshed brand identity, and three consecutive sold-out seasons.
- Work directly with the organization’s sole funder to steward a $16M annual operating budget, align resources with strategic priorities, and deliver a shared vision for a world-class public park at the intersection of art, nature, and community.
- Oversee the full park operation and visitor experience, including custodial, maintenance, horticulture, facilities, security and safety, visitor services, and food & beverage—ensuring Little Island is consistently welcoming, safe, beautifully maintained, and defined by a high standard of hospitality and care.
- Direct cross-functional planning and decision-making across park operations, artistic programming and administration, fostering alignment, accountability, and a strong organizational culture.
- Sewed workforce development initiatives into Little Island's daily operations, expanding a pipeline for CUNY students and alumni while developing philanthropic support to sustain and grow workforce programs.
- Build and maintain relationships with Hudson River Park leadership, neighborhood organizations, cultural partners, and other key stakeholders, serving as a senior public representative for Little Island and strengthening its role within the broader New York community.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Little Island
NYC
09.2018 - 10.2023
- Founding member of Little Island’s executive team and inaugural Chief Operating Officer; built the administrative, operational, and organizational foundation for a high-profile cultural institution and public park. A process-oriented leader, developed the systems, structures, and practices that enabled the organization to grow with clarity, accountability, and care, while building deep trust with the Executive Director and fostering a values-driven culture where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best work.
- Built and led administrative and operational infrastructure across finance, HR, business affairs, IT, park operations, horticulture, facilities, and concessions, establishing the systems, policies, and processes required to launch and sustainably operate Little Island.
- Developed and managed annual operating budgets of $12M–$15M, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship and alignment around organizational priorities; managed spending within 1% of budget in the park’s first full year.
- Led strategy on major contracts, insurance, legal, labor, and union matters, including multi-year agreements with Union Square Events and Brightview Landscape Services, as well as artist and commissioning agreements.
- Established a values-driven organizational culture grounded in collaboration, respect, transparency, and accountability, with a focus on strong recruitment, retention, and professional development.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Blue Man Productions
2006 - 2016
- Produced new theatrical productions, tours and special events of Blue Man Group worldwide.
- Led $19M project at Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, delivering new full-scale production alongside major capital renovation, retail operation, and interactive multimedia experience.
- Evolved the company’s theatrical business model, resulting in a touring production that recouped within five months, grossed $130M over six years, and reached more than 3 million people.
- Managed production budgets of $3M–$19M, coordinating 10–12 departments and teams of 20–70 technical, design, and artistic personnel to ensure seamless execution.
- Served on the Senior Leadership team responsible for strategic goal setting and operational management of a worldwide entertainment company.
- Built a corporate events division generating more than $2M in its first year; produced programs for T-Mobile, Wal-Mart, American Express, Travelocity, Toyota, McKinsey, and Northwestern Mutual.
SENIOR DIRECTOR – ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS
Blue Man Productions
2001 - 2005
- Directed strategic planning and daily operations across administrative, IT, communications, and facility departments while managing $4.6M in combined operating and capital budgets.
- Strengthened organizational cohesiveness and employee retention by modernizing internal communications, standardizing budget reviews, and establishing cross-departmental HR policies.
RESIDENT GENERAL MANAGER
Astor Show Productions
1998 - 2001
- Directed production and theater operations for Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theatre in New York, supervising 90+ employees across management, performers, crew, box office, facilities, marketing, group sales, and front of house to ensure seamless performances and operations.
Education
B.A. - English
Barnard College
Dramatic Arts
New York University Tisch School of The Arts
Entrepreneurship A–Z
New York University Continuing Education
Strategic Influencing and Communication for Women and Organizations
Seton Hall Continuing Education
Skills
- Executive leadership
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Project management
- Operational facility oversight
- Visitor experience enhancement
- Partnership development
- Employee engagement strategy
- Culture development
- Organizational development
Additional
Paper Mill Playhouse — Rising Star Evaluator, Available upon request
Timeline
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Little Island
10.2023 - Current
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Little Island
09.2018 - 10.2023
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Blue Man Productions
2006 - 2016
SENIOR DIRECTOR – ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS
Blue Man Productions
2001 - 2005
RESIDENT GENERAL MANAGER
Astor Show Productions
1998 - 2001
B.A. - English
Barnard College
Dramatic Arts
New York University Tisch School of The Arts
Entrepreneurship A–Z
New York University Continuing Education
Strategic Influencing and Communication for Women and Organizations
Seton Hall Continuing Education