Ward G. Smith, Fine Arts Director
Saint Petersburg, 33701, USA, 727-***-****, ***********@***.***
SUMMARY Dynamic Fine Arts Director with over 3 years of experience leading artistic initiatives at THE OFF-CENTRAL PLAYERS. Proven ability to direct and produce 30+ diverse shows while managing budgets and fundraising efforts. Instrumental in shaping an artistic vision that resonates with community values and enhances audience engagement. Committed to driving innovative strategies and fostering collaborative teams, bringing creativity and strategic insight to the forefront.
WORK EXPERIENCE
01/2021 – Present Co-Founder / Producing Artistic Director, THE OFF- CENTRAL PLAYERS
Saint Petersburg, USA
Orchestrated the artistic vision and managerial operations by selecting the season's material, overseeing all productions, managing financial budgets, and representing the organization to various stakeholders. Directed and produced over thirty (30) diverse shows to date, showcasing a wide range of artistic talents.
Conceptualized and instituted the company's artistic vision and mission, ensuring alignment with audience engagement and community values. Curated the season's repertoire, maintaining artistic coherence and relevance in a competitive market.
Championed the artistic team, including directors, designers, actors, and creative personnel, while hiring and supervising staff to cultivate a collaborative and supportive environment.
Administered the company's budgets and led efforts to secure funding and sponsorships, enhancing financial sustainability.
Represented the organization to the public, media, and stakeholders, effectively communicating its vision and impact.
Engineered and implemented long-term strategic plans to drive organizational growth and artistic innovation.
01/2014 – 10/2020 Project Specialist, MERIDIAN ASSET SERVICES/SITUSAMC
St. Petersburg, USA
Executed Collateral and Title Curative Services with precision to minimize legal issues.
Conducted thorough Diligence and Title Reviews, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
Managed Property Value Recons and REO Asset Management to optimize asset performance.
Handled Online BPO Orders effectively to meet client demands. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
06/2007 – 06/2010 Senior Copy Editor Subject Matter Expert w/ Security Clearance, JACOBS TECHNOLOGY/LOCKHEED MARTIN
Tampa, USA
Created and produced strategic and tactical communications for the PSYOP/SOF communities engaged in the Global War on Terror, ensuring information integrity and security.
Exhibited exceptional attention to detail while adhering to established document standards.
Developed innovative workflows, organizational charts, presentations, and graphic illustrations to enhance team communication. Provided timely turnaround of documentation, consistently meeting strict deadlines.
Recognized by USSOCOM Commander Admiral Eric Olsen for producing effective communications critical to supporting SOF operations and missions.
12/2003 – 08/2007 Creative Director, CARTER AUTOMOTIVE ADVERTISING Tampa, USA Spearheaded and coordinated all copy and production of television and radio spots for clients in the competitive retail automotive industry. Engineered Broadcast TV & Infomercial campaign development for 15 auto dealers across the US, enhancing brand visibility. Ensured corporate compliance with all broadcast content, maintaining integrity and adherence to regulations.
01/2001 – 01/2003 Associate Creative Director, CHENOWETH & FAULKNER Tampa, USA Oversaw and coordinated the production of television and radio spots for various retail automotive clients, delivering quality content. Consulted with clients to develop project vision and objectives, ensuring alignment with their needs.
Managed projects from conception to completion, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
Produced, wrote, and directed live presentations for both clients and agency, enhancing engagement.
Formulated production cost estimates, ensuring financial accountability. 01/1998 – 01/2001 Senior Copywriter, FKQ ADVERTISING Clearwater, USA Crafted, edited, and managed content for print, electronic formats, and radio and television broadcasts, ensuring message clarity. Developed creative concepts rooted in client goals and requirements for enhanced impact.
Collaborated with the Creative team to ensure client objectives and timelines were consistently met.
EDUCATION
04/1983 – 07/1983 Central Texas Christian
ASSOCIATES, Comp. Alg 2
Killeen TX
04/1984 – 02/1985 Arizona State University
BA
Tempe
02/1995 – 09/1995 St. Petersburg College
Associates
St. Pete Florida
SKILLS Microsoft Office Collateral and Title Curative Services
Diligence and Title Reviews REO Asset Management
Online BPO Orders Creative Direction
Copywriting Project Management
Attention to detail Creative workflows
Organizational skills Collaboration
Communication