Vernon Scott
Freeport
Summary
Accomplished arts administrator and fundraising expert with a proven track record in developing innovative events and exceeding organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality results. Recognized for exceptional event execution and customer service, with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Experience includes transforming event concepts into successful large-scale productions that drive company growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Producing Director
A.I.M By Kyle Abraham
05.2025 - Current
- Organizational operations; Development opportunities; Space feasibility; Special Projects
Gala Producer
David Parsons Dance Company
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Manage and assume point person role for all logistics, auction, Gala Journal Ads and printing, décor, room design, identify and manage volunteers; Gala Co-chair and Board Member Liaison; advise on donor relations.
Director of Development
Baryshnikov Arts Center
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Led a development team of two (Grants Manager and Grant Writer) in the execution of all fundraising plans for Institutional Giving, Individual Giving, and Special Events. Worked closely with the Executive Director in strategizing new fundraising plans and structures. Two large-scale 2024 fundraisers: “Baryshnikov at 75” offsite at Kaatsbaan (1,200 performance attendees / 200 VIP’s for dinner / $400,000 raised) and Annual Gala at BAC (200 attendees / $200,000 raised)
Part Time Annually January 2013 – January 2023
National YoungArts Foundation
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Worked with YA Director of Programming to design National YoungArts Week in Miami for Winners of Distinction: organization of classes and the hiring of Artist Teachers and Mentors (8 to 10 each year). Lead Dance Selection Panel (2 panelists) and Discipline Coordinator in adjudication and designation of artists’ award levels.
Assistant Director of Special Events
The Joyce Theater Foundation
03.2018 - 12.2022
- Produced, designed, and managed highly successful opening night pre-and post-show events for 100 attendees, fundraising dinners/ receptions (5 to 25 attendees), and large-scale events including Choreographers & Cocktails (200 attendees / $40,000 fundraising goal) and The Joyce Theater Annual Gala fundraiser at Lincoln Center (400 attendees / $600,000 goal); all within budget and meeting and often surpassing goals. Designed and led Travel Program fundraisers to Cuba and Scotland( 8 to 12 attendees / various goals from $10,000 - $30,000).
Special Events Manager + Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director
Baryshnikov Arts Center
10.2012 - 03.2018
- Produced, designed, and managed highly successful gala fundraisers within budget and met goals. Managed Mr. Baryshnikov’s schedule and met all BAC needs often concerning those highly confidential.
Freelance Event Manager
LDJ Productions
New York City
01.2007 - 10.2013
- Produced highly successful fashion shows; executed every concept in a timely and exquisite manner. Collaborated effectively with designer teams to realize innovative concepts. Expertly managed all aspects of space, lighting, sound, video, sets, hair, make-up, models, and talent. Planned tradeshows, conventions, and led cross-functional teams to peak levels of performance. Direct reports included the Back of House Manager, the Front of House Manager, the Director of Production, and the Head of Security.
- Successfully produced 24 fashion shows in 7 days without incident; delighted 450+ attendees at each show. Seamlessly managed all design, PR, makeup, and venue security teams.
Senior Front of House Manager (and Events)
LDJ Productions
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Established a consistent Front of House program/etiquette and regular training sessions to support. Cleaned out and increased the usher pool to 50 strong. Collaborated with clients to create seamless catered events.
National Public Relations Manager
Aga Ranges
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Devised, implemented, and monitored highly creative and effective public relations and media strategies. Served as brand spokesperson and events coordinator. Promoted Aga Ranges, Marvel, and Northland. Drove marketing initiatives by revamping the demonstrator and training programs; improved the demonstrator manual and instituted an online training program for the North American market.
Retail Marketing Manager
Aga Ranges
New York City
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Developed nationwide network of certified Cooking Demonstrators; recruited and trained 30 talents, created an incentives and rewards program. Earned excellent employee reviews.
- Led training sessions for staff on new product launches and marketing techniques.
Spokesperson and Event Coordinator
Aga Ranges
New York City
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Executed openings of Aga Studio @ Grange, in New York City, Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Created impactful events in each location to drive customer engagement.
Recruited and trained a team of 10 to 12 for optimal service delivery.
Oversaw store build-outs to align with brand standards and timelines.
Manager of Warehouse Sale and Move
Grange Furniture Inc
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Returned to the company in 2010 to successfully organize and lead a major warehouse sale and move, enabling the smooth transition from a 40,000 sq ft warehouse to a 17,000 sq ft location. Greatly reduced inventory and met all budget targets by effectively managing post-warehouse sale negotiations. Hired temporary workers (5) and motivated existing staff (15) to impressive levels of productivity.
National Director of Showrooms
Grange Furniture
New York City
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Managed operations across 15 showrooms to ensure consistency and quality.
Developed a sales team of 20 members, driving significant revenue growth.
Oversaw pre-delivery services, enhancing overall efficiency and service quality.
Supervised showroom personnel to maintain high performance and accountability.
Implemented strategies that consistently improved customer satisfaction levels.
Coordinated training sessions for sales team to elevate product knowledge and selling techniques.
Executive Assistant to CEO & Corporate Office Mana
Grange Furniture
New York City
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Managed office operations, including CEO's calendar and vendor payroll information.
Oversaw project management for build-out of 20,000 sq ft office and showroom.
Maintained accurate records of payroll information to ensure timely payments.
Coordinated scheduling and logistics for office activities and events.
Education
BFA - Dance
The Juilliard School
New York, NY05-1985
Dance
New York University
New York, NYArchitecture
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VASkills
- Fundraising and galas
- Volunteer coordination
- Public relations
- Donor travel program
- Staff management relations
- Event design and decor
- Event marketing and communications
- Food and beverage management
- Vendor coordination
- Meeting facilitation
- Venue selection
- Logistics management
- Donor relations
Volunteer
Martha Hill Dance Fund, President, 2014, Present, Nonprofit with a mission to continue the legacy of Martha Hill and her commitment to dance and dance education. Lead a working board of 12 to produce an annual gala that grants Lifetime Achievement, Mid-Career, and Young Professional Awards each with a cash honorarium; oversee annual Newsletter; raised funds ($100,000) for and credited as Coordinating Producer for 2014 full-length feature film “Miss Hill: Making Dance Matter”. Initiated the 2025 MESH Fellowship program for young dancers and choreographers.
Past Success
- Owner & Chief Cook | Passionate Affairs Catering: Catered events for major clients in Los Angeles and New York City for 10+ years.
- Assistant to President for Special Events | Givenchy, USA: Successfully planned every detail of large client meetings.
- Principle Dancer & Rehearsal Coordinator | Baryshnikov Productions – White Oak Dance Project: Performed with Mikhail Baryshnikov and scheduled all company rehearsals.
- Choreographer | Natalie Merchant: Assisted Merchant in creating characters for her Ophelia video and documentary.
- Dancer | Mark Morris Dance Group; Pilobolus; Feld Ballet; Lar Lubovitch; Steven Petronio; and others
Timeline
Producing Director
A.I.M By Kyle Abraham
05.2025 - Current
Gala Producer
David Parsons Dance Company
01.2024 - 04.2024
Director of Development
Baryshnikov Arts Center
01.2023 - 12.2023
Assistant Director of Special Events
The Joyce Theater Foundation
03.2018 - 12.2022
Part Time Annually January 2013 – January 2023
National YoungArts Foundation
01.2013 - 01.2023
Special Events Manager + Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director
Baryshnikov Arts Center
10.2012 - 03.2018
Freelance Event Manager
LDJ Productions
01.2007 - 10.2013
Senior Front of House Manager (and Events)
LDJ Productions
01.2007 - 01.2013
National Public Relations Manager
Aga Ranges
01.2005 - 01.2007
Retail Marketing Manager
Aga Ranges
01.2005 - 01.2006
Spokesperson and Event Coordinator
Aga Ranges
01.2004 - 01.2005
National Director of Showrooms
Grange Furniture
01.2001 - 01.2004
Manager of Warehouse Sale and Move
Grange Furniture Inc
01.1999 - 01.2005
Executive Assistant to CEO & Corporate Office Mana
Grange Furniture
01.1999 - 01.2001
BFA - Dance
The Juilliard School
Dance
New York University
Architecture
University of Virginia