Luther Burbank Center For The Arts Names Mark R. DeSaulnier As New Director Of Marketing

Following an extensive search, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (LBC) announced Mark R. DeSaulnier as its new Director of Marketing, effective June 1, 2019. Mr. DeSaulnier will be responsible for the overall stewardship, strategy, and management of the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation's brand identity as a community-based, non-profit performing arts center committed to enriching, educating and entertaining the people of California's North Bay region and beyond.

"Mr. DeSaulnier comes to the Center with more than 15 years of senior administrative experience in the performing arts. His experiences with marketing, community engagement, fundraising, board development, and strategic planning make him an ideal addition to our staff," said Rick Nowlin, LBC President & CEO. "All of us at the Center are thrilled to begin working with him to solidify LBC's identity as a top performing arts center for the North Bay community."

"It is an honor to join the community at the prestigious Luther Burbank Center for the Arts," said DeSaulnier. "I look forward to supporting the Center's rich history of world-class performing arts presentations and variety of educational and engagement opportunities for the community."

Most recently Mr. DeSaulnier served as the Executive Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC). During his seven-year tenure there (2012-2019), OIGC's earned income and ticket sales increased by over 50% and individual contributions increased by over 70%. At OIGC, he was responsible for leadership and oversight in all executive administrative functions of the organization, which included such marketing efforts as re-branding of the organization; development and implementation of the annual marketing, public relations, and audience development plans; oversight of a graphic design team; and serving as a spokesperson for the organization.

In addition, he increased the regional, national and international profiles of OIGC by leading projects that included an international tour with performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Molde International Jazz Festival in Norway. He also launched the International Interfaith Gospel Music Conference held at the Oakland Convention Center, which brought together over 400 voices from around the world for a three-day conference and mass choir concert. In 2017, Mr. DeSaulnier brought OIGC together with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus for the Lavender Pen Tour, taking both choirs through five states in the South including Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas. In the fall of 2018, Mr. DeSaulnier completed a feature length documentary titled "One Voice, the Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir" which received its premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival.

Mr. DeSaulnier has worked with artists and venues including Kenny Loggins, James Newton Howard, Davies Symphony Hall and The San Francisco Symphony, Vanessa Williams, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Air Supply, Barry Manilow, Outside Lands, Paramount Theater, and more. His previous senior and artistic leadership experiences also include Peninsula Youth Theater and the Pacific Symphony in Orange County. In addition, he is a member of CETA (California Educational Theatre Association), Chorus America, and the Theatre Bay Area Association.

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