Announcing Our New Director of Marketing

January 18th, 2019

After an extensive nationwide search, the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Jessica Novak will serve as the McKnight Center’s Director of Marketing, effective Feb. 7.

After an extensive nationwide search, the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Jessica Novak will serve as the McKnight Center’s Director of Marketing, effective Feb. 7. With over 14 years of experience working in the performing and visual arts, Novak brings extensive experience to the McKnight Center, including tenures with the Tulsa Ballet, Multi Arts Center (now Prairie Arts Center), Stillwater Arts Festival and Paul Taylor American Modern Dance.

"We are pleased to have such a talent join our team,” said Mark Blakeman, the McKnight Center’s Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director. "Our nationwide search for the ideal candidate led us right to our backyard with Jessica, who lives and works nearby. I'm thrilled to have such a seasoned and enthusiastic arts marketer leading our efforts as we charge toward our October grand opening."

Originally from Connecticut, Novak has lived in the Stillwater area since 2003. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Performing Arts Administration from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender and Women’s Studies from Connecticut College. Under her leadership, the Tulsa Ballet saw record-breaking growth in ticket sales, totaling over $1.3 million for the 2017/2018 performance season. Novak was also a part of acquiring the estimated 10,000 arts and culture patrons that attend the Stillwater Arts Festival every April.

"I am honored to join the McKnight Center as the Director of Marketing," said Novak. "I look forward to using my experience and love of the arts with an organization operating at the highest levels of artistry. Stillwater holds a special place in my heart; so, championing and growing the McKnight Center, a performing arts space which will bring world-renowned talent to our community and region, is thrilling."