Introducing Our New Operations Director: John Marks
Dear Cedar friends,
John Marks
As summer comes to a close and we welcome in autumnal happenings — the start of school, Labor Day weekend celebrations, and Global Roots Festival — we also welcome a wonderful new team member to The Cedar Cultural Center. John Marks is joining us as The Cedar’s Operations Director: his first day is today!
John Marks.
John has been a part of the Twin Cities arts landscape for over 20 years. He is an active artist and performer working at the intersection of sound, moving image, and visual art. Cedar supporters will love to know that he has performed in Drone Not Drones with his partner, local musician Crystal Myslajek!
He comes to us from The School of Music at the University of Minnesota where as Technical Coordinator he led the Audio and Video Production Team. John holds many appointments throughout the local arts community including current service on the Sound Arts Advisory Committee at Minneapolis Community & Technical College and as Treasurer on Red Eye Theater’s Board of Directors.
Past appointments include serving on review panels for the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) and as guest lecturer at Minneapolis College of Art and Design for Filmmaking and Sound Synthesis. He holds a Masters of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership from the UMN.
“I’m thrilled to join a truly unique organization that brings so much meaning to my life and those in my community,” said John.
John's addition comes at a time when The Cedar is rounding out our team and preparing for a robust, final third of the year. Our Executive Director Michelle Woster was appointed July 2022 and Development Director Patti Walsh came on in August 2022. In spring of 2023 we also grew our staff in marketing and front of house: we are trending back to a fuller organization after several years of downsizing. John joins the team after the departure of former Operations Director Faysal Abraham who held the role from February 2021 until this spring. Faysal, a former board member, was instrumental in guiding The Cedar through the reopening process and did so with a reduced team; we're so grateful for his time here. John continues this integral work of leading enhancements of The Cedar’s practices in all corners: from audience experience to financial stability. We’re glad to have his support as we enter 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome John into this critical leadership role at The Cedar,” says Executive Director Michelle Woster. “He brings a unique mix of relevant professional, technical, and artistic experiences. His personal history as a working musician and curator demonstrates his commitment to diversified programming, emerging artists, and community engagement. He joins The Cedar just in time to support a beautifully full, fall calendar of performances.”
Joining The Cedar on the Board of Directors this fall are Tim Wong and Steve Jewell. Tim works as an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg. Steve works as a talent acquisition consultant at Diamond in the Rough Recruitment Services. We’re excited to welcome them aboard, too!
The Cedar’s staff with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan at the International Bazaar stage before night 1 of The Global Get Together!
Thanks to everyone who came to see us offsite at the MN State Fair last week! The Global Get Together marked the first time The Cedar has had presence at the legendary annual MN celebration. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan spoke on our stage before Ukrainian Village Band performed! Thank you, Lieutenant Governor!
We hope you also join us for a different celebration that will soon regain the 'annual' title! Global Roots Festival is back with three nights of free, family friendly programming! See everything from Romanian Folklore inspired sounds to new takes on Malawian street busking music!
