Donna Briggs
Britt’s new Executive Director is a familiar face. In October, Britt’s Board of Directors hired Donna Briggs to lead the organization. Donna has been with Britt since October 2010, first as Development Director, and brings significant non-profit leadership experience to her new role.
Prior to her work at Britt, Donna served for fifteen years as Executive Director of the International Visitor Leadership Programs in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Her leadership in those roles earned her the U.S. Department of State Citizen Diplomat Pillar Award, which she was presented with in February 2011. Over her career, she has received several awards and honors, including The Oklahoma Center for Non Profit Management “Management Excellence Award,” Leadership Tulsa’s Paragon Award and the Noble Foundation’s Leadership Award.
Donna’s experience as an executive director makes her transition a smooth one. She says, “Since being hired as the Development Director for Britt, I have been busy building strong and diverse relationships within the business community. As I begin my role as Executive Director, I am looking forward to expanding and deepening those relationships.”
Since starting at Britt last year, Donna has been instrumental in several key changes. She refocused Britt’s Business Partnership program, increasing combined cash and in-kind contributions from area businesses, and secured over $100,000 in grant contributions, exceeding goals. She also helped develop and manage the new wine and concessions program on the Britt hill.
She’s looking forward to more positive changes as Britt grows. “As we celebrate the monumental milestone of Britt’s 50th season, I believe we have the potential to make Britt one of the most successful, adventurous and genre-defying outdoor music festivals in the Northwest. With the support of the Board, amazing staff, members and volunteers, we can make that happen.”
Britt’s 50th season celebrations began with the announcement of the 2012 Classical Festival. This year Britt’s Classical Festival celebrates the legacy of Britt, starting with its humble beginnings back in 1963, through the Britt Experience as it is today. Special celebrations during the Classical Festival include the Opening Night Gala on August 3rd, a commissioned “photochoreography” work that will set photos of Britt history to the music of Aaron Copland, a special community concert with $5 seating, and a farewell concert honoring Music Director Peter Bay’s final season at Britt. Tickets for the Classical Festival are on sale now through March 15 in a special presale for both members and non-members. For more information on programs and guest artists, visit Britt’s website at www.brittfest.org.
February marks the “Last Bash,” a gala fundraising dinner and auction, to benefit Britt programs. The Last Bash is Saturday, February 25, and will include unique “only at the Bash” items on the silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Classical Festival and Britt’s education programs.
Click here for article and lineup of the Classical Season
Britt’s full 2012 schedule will be announced the evening of April 4, and will include Britt’s signature mix of genres, as well as both new and favorite returning artists.
“Taste of Summer,” a street fair organized by Britt, the Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Oregon Business Association, will kick off the summer on Saturday, June 9. The celebration will include music, artists, food, wine-tasting, children’s activities and much more.
Briggs is particularly excited about a new event. “We’re throwing a Black & White Gala on the Britt hill on Thursday July 19th,” Briggs says. “It will be a can’t-miss event of music, food, champagne and celebrations of Britt.”
For more information on any of Britt’s plans for the 50th season, call 541-779-0847 or visit brittfest.org.