A wild background in nonprofit arts management as a pioneer of the Dare County Arts Council umpteen years ago and marketing and development director for Pocosin Arts a decade ago has connected me with thousands of patrons, funders, artists, civic leaders and hard-working volunteers. I have worked the pr office of The Lost Colony, the longest running outdoor drama in America during its 50th anniversary season, the black and white checkered floors of the perennially popular Blue Point Bar & Grill in Duck, and scoured the bushes for story leads as publicist for the developer of Sanderling.The soul of my professional experience is expressed in the written word--whether that be for a grant narrative, a national magazine, a sales brochure or a radio spot--but the heart of my experience is expressed in hugs and handshakes. I've had the privilege of working side by side with some amazing, impassioned and inspiring people. I treasure those relationships.