Q1: Tell us something about your background. What led you to your current position at MOG?

NJ: I first became involved with the Musuem in the fall of 2004. Susan Warner hired a musical group I was involved with to play at the Museum. From there, Susan and I collaborated to put together music programs for the 2004 and 2005 Holiday seasons.

In early 2006, I was looking to expand my career path. I called Susan, who was gracious enough to sit down with me and talk about some of the opportunities in the non-profit sector. As it ended up, the Museum Advancement Services Department was looking for someone to help out with some database work. I began as an Intern in March 2006 and was hired on as an employee in June 2006.

Q2: What is your job title and what are your main responsibilities?

NJ: I am the Advancement Services Coordinator. My time is split between: keeping track of gifts to the Museum, taking care and updating the Museum database, producing database reports, writing acknowledgement letters, a variety of clerical work for the department, and organizing fundraising events.

Q3: What part of your job is most satisfying to you? What is most challenging?

NJ: Working at an institution that both supports and integrates arts and education is invaluable to me. The most difficult part of my job is prioritizing and organizing the different tasks in a way that produces the best results in all areas.

Q4: Other interests, talents, accomplishments–not job related?

NJ: I have a new daughter Lily Mae Johnson! She is almost 6 months old, already. She is the light of her Dad’s life. I am also an active musician in the Northwest, particularly in Jazz. The Northwest has deep pools of talent. I have the privilege of playing with some really inspirational players. My primary group right now is Native Blue, a jazz sextet.

Q5: Regarding your involvement in planning Red Hot: What is your role in this event? What is the financial impact to the Museum and how has it grown in its short history? What will be the highlight of this year’s Red Hot Gala?

NJ: Working closely on an event like this, it is tough to define my responsibilities. There is always something new cropping up. So far, much of my time has beeh spent on entertainment, catering rentals, contracts, and procurement. Red Hot grows with the Musuem. As we build new and stronger relationships with artists, collectors, donors, and the general community, results from the Gala improve. These relationships, along with a lot of careful planning and attention to detail, are primary factors in the event’s outcome, financial and otherwise.

We are also fortunate to have consistent and dedicated leadership in our volunteer committee. Our co-chairs for the past three years have had a great hand in the growth of the event. As a whole, the Gala is a highlight of the Musuem’s year and a chance to look at the future. Hopefully, we spark interest in our guests, and make them see what we are accomplishing.

Q6: From working with data regarding membership and donations, what trends have you observed about both?

NJ: Working in these areas gives me another perspective on the public’s reaction to the Museum. It is interesting to look at the ebb and flow of donations as the Musuem goes through changes. In particular, the recent excitement surrounding Mining Glass and Night Blow has been very positive.