Tower Theatre refocuses fundraising, hires Barram

The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation said Tuesday it has refocused its fundraising activities and hired a new staff member to expand upper-level contributions. Jodie Barram starts July 1 as the Tower’s Director of Major Giving.

Well-known across Central Oregon from her six years as Bend city councilor, four of which she served as Mayor Pro Tem, Jodie was instrumental in crafting policies and administering projects ranging from surface water improvement to the OSU-Cascades campus expansion, from Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary to OLCC reforms.

She’s been on the boards of Visit Bend and Bend 2030, and, since 2008, taught special needs students as a substitute education assistant for the Bend-La Pine School District.

“I’m excited to help individuals and businesses invest in the Tower Theatre Foundation through high-level memberships and sponsorships that ensure the vibrancy of performing arts in our community,” Barram said.

As a leader with Bend 2030 for the past decade, Barram has many insights about the future of Bend.

“The creative excitement of the performing arts is an essential element of our quality of life here,” concluded Barram. “I’m thrilled to raise and strengthen the Tower’s role through this new job.”

“The board, staff and I could not be more pleased and excited,” said Tower Executive Director Ray Solley. “Jodie’s love of the Tower started as a child growing up in Bend. Now she will play a pivotal part in furthering the Tower as a performing arts beacon for many generations to come.”

Alison Hamm, Tower Theatre board chair, added: “Jodie brings a wealth of experience, visibility, contacts, and passion to our team. Most importantly, she is the kind of leader the Foundation deserves and the community will follow.”

Barram will procure, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors and members at the $1,000 level and up. She will supervise and support Lisa Vann (Donor Relations Manager) and Mollie Tennant (Education Coordinator).

The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading performing arts organization, providing cultural and education programs that make an essential contribution to Central Oregon’s lifestyle and strengthen the community.