Hi and welcome!
I wholeheartedly believe this: Space shapes connection. Connection saves human lives. These words are a constant source of motivation and sit at the core of why I do the work I do.
When I was younger, I never declared, “When I grow up, I want to work in operations!” That said, I never wanted to be a doctor, firefighter, or lawyer either. What I did know, even then, was that I loved when things ran smoothly.
In fifth grade, I ran a small but mighty keychain business. If you can find a handmade Sara Guttman keychain, it’s a collectible!
I eventually moved on from keychains to restaurants in high school and college, then to radio, working as a DJ and Marketing Director at a station in Aspen, proudly hosting the “Mistress of the Midday” shift when I wasn’t snowboarding. Later, I worked in New York City producing voiceovers with local and international clients while managing studio space and schedules.
Without realizing it at the time, I was building a skill set rooted in hospitality, logistics, flow, and experience.
That path ultimately led me to the Boulder JCC, where I launched and scaled an incredibly successful Rentals Department. I found my sweet spot at the intersection of hospitality + operations, designing systems that made people feel welcome while keeping the behind-the-scenes logistics running seamlessly.
One building visitor once described the JCC as “an address of consequence.” That stuck with me.
Each year, we hosted more than 400 events: nonprofit galas, weddings, mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, yoga retreats, celebrations of life, job expos, luncheons, board meetings, conversations with elected officials, and more. These weren’t just events. They were moments of connection that strengthened community in real, tangible ways.
The impact reached far beyond logistics. Well-run, comfortable, and inviting spaces move the needle on belonging.
And yes — let’s talk about the revenue.
The Rentals Department significantly impacted the organization’s annual operating budget. It paid for itself (which is far from guaranteed in the nonprofit sector) and generated unrestricted revenue year after year. Those funds were reinvested directly into programs, facility improvements, scholarships, and long-term financial stability.
Earned revenue is often more dependable, less emotionally fraught, and reduces reliance on donors and grants. When managed thoughtfully, surplus revenue can, and should, flow right back into the mission.
This is why I do what I do.
Well-run venues provide space for connection and earned revenue.
Those two things are not in conflict. They reinforce each other.
Study after study shows that loneliness is increasing and is a serious public health issue. Operating a venue that people genuinely want to come to is no small feat. It builds bridges between an organization and the broader community, often far beyond core membership.
I love this work.
I believe in its impact.
And I’m here to help.
