New SPAC VP of development encourages women to aim high
Saratoga Performing Arts Center has a new senior vice president of development.
“Once it was posted, I applied immediately. It is exactly what I want to be doing,” said Jana Gordon.
Gordon has spent time with the English National Opera, the Dallas Symphony, and the Stratford Festival. However, she knew SPAC was where she wanted to be because it is a “cultural destination.”
Gordon didn’t quite have a direct path to the arts, or to fundraising.
“I started my career in public accounting, but I made a switch. I got an undergrad in music and then a master’s in arts management,” she said.
Her first job was with English National Opera and Corporate Giving. Her goal here in Saratoga Springs is to take SPAC’s reputation beyond the Spa City.
“I really want to be able to leverage that prestige to grow our donor base, to reach donors nationally, whether they’re corporate or individuals or foundations,” she said.
Gordon said she has a great role model in SPAC CEO Elizabeth Sobel. She also advises women starting a career in business to aim high.
“Do not let a glass ceiling or potential glass ceiling stand in your way. Do what you can. Map out your path. It may not be a straightforward path. Mine certainly hasn’t been,” she said.