With more than 20 years of practical experience in the non-profit performing arts arena, Michele has a thorough understanding of the operating issues and opportunities facing many of our performing arts organizations.  

Prior to joining AMS Planning & Research in 2006, Michele served as Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, where she oversaw design and financial planning for a proposed multi-theatre arts complex.  Key responsibilities for that organization included planning for all operational aspects of the venues, engagement of the arts and cultural community, financial management and planning, and coordination of the development team.

Within her 15 years of orchestra management, she served as Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 2002.  During that time, she oversaw organizational growth of 30% (including a successful capital campaign for endowment) and was instrumental in developing several creative outreach and education programs.  

At AMS, Michele leads a mix of projects related to institutional development for arts organizations, as well as construction of arts facilities.  Michele recently completed a business and implementation plan for Asia Society Texas Center as they prepare to open a signature facility in Houston, Texas, an assessment of operations and programs for The Living Arts Centre, a multi-purpose performance and visual arts center in Mississauga, Canada and a feasibility study for a new Broadway-style venue in Salt Lake City.  Recent strategic planning work includes the Arlington Arts Commission, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and a major assessment of cultural organizations and facilities for a consortium of Cleveland foundations:  The Cleveland, Gund, Murphy and Playhouse Square Foundations.  

She served as counsel to the development of Richmond CenterStage, a 150,000-square foot historic renovation and expanded Performing Arts Center in Virginia, which opened in September 2009.  In addition, she has conducted feasibility studies and developed operating plans for several facilities in the Miami Dade County area:  The South Dade Cultural Arts Center, The Seminole Theatre in Homestead, the Little Haiti Cultural Arts Campus and the Coconut Grove Playhouse.  

A native of New Jersey, Michele earned her B.A. degree at the University of Michigan.  She resides in Richmond, Virginia.