News from Britt Hill – April 2023
As you read this, we’re on the threshold of announcing our full lineup for the season—or, if you’re like me and you’re reading your Jacksonville Review over coffee on the weekend, you’ve already seen our big news. I’m pinching myself about this season’s roster—it’s a great one.
But as I write this, we’re just over three weeks from that announcement, and it’s all systems GO in the background. Our intrepid Director of Programming, Mike Sturgill, is finalizing artist agreements at lightning speed. We are putting the finishing touches on our upper bathroom remodel—we’re excited to welcome you to a significantly upgraded space for all your… er… intermission needs. We’re working on marketing materials, the fine arts poster, and planning for our season announcement event. We’re also about to launch into the hiring process for our seasonal staff—box office, production, and more (keep your eyes peeled if you’d like to join our team). And of course, our volunteers are about to be back in action!
There are some new faces joining our team, too. Julie Gillis recently joined our team as Chief Development Officer, and I know many of you know her from Rotary or her work with OSF or Southern Oregon PBS. We’re also welcoming Fran Jamison as our incoming Director of Marketing and Communications. Fran joins us from her role as Director of Marketing at the Oregon Symphony, a role she previously held at San Francisco Ballet. She hails from the UK, making her the official Brit of Britt!
We’re also congratulating our current Director of Marketing, Mike Gantenbein for his extraordinary career as he retires at the end of this month. Plans are underway for celebrating him. In his 6 years and 8 months at Britt, Mike has overseen upgrades to our website and branding; coordinated countless photographers, videographers, designers, radio DJs, media partners, and more; and of course, led the complex communications with our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work has served hundreds of thousands of patrons during his tenure. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike is one of the kindest colleagues around. He unfailingly makes the rounds in the morning to say hello, and again in the evening to say goodbye. Occasionally, he’ll pull out his electric bass and serenade us in the afternoons. He’s a great cook who makes lunches to covet. He has an awesome sense of humor and the best laugh. And for the past 11 months, he’s been my stalwart lunchroom buddy. We’ll miss him, and we’re grateful for all he’s given us.
Please join me in congratulating and celebrating our adored Mike G. And don’t worry—he’ll be on the hill as a guest this summer, so you can shake his hand in person!
Best, Abby