I have developed my leadership skills at nonprofit arts organizations, primarily film and live performance festivals. In my varied roles with festivals throughout the United States, I have demonstrated forward-thinking and preparedness when planning and executing a wide range of high-level events. My communication skills allow me to collaborate with a wide variety of individuals at all points on the creative-analytical continuum and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

I am adept at anticipating personal and organizational needs and engaging available resources to prevent future challenges. My commitment to enhancing every aspect of the customer experience has allowed me to lead organizational innovations that maximize the festival-going experience of all those involved.

In late 2010, I lead a team of colleagues in the founding of the Alaska Film Forum, a fiscally sponsored organization serving the local independent filmmaking community. In my time leading this organization, I demonstrated my ability to create, design, and implement a program built from the ground up. I programmed events, recruited participants, built partnerships with other local organizations, and created data systems to track events and participation.

Education

     M.A. | Nonprofit Management, Antioch University Los Angeles | 2019

Certification

PROFESSIONAL Experience

Theatre Operations / Venue Management

  • Sundance NEXT FEST 2014, 2016, 2017

  • AFI Fest 2012, 2013, 2014

  • National Film Festival for Talented Youth 2012, 2013, 2014

  • Seattle International Film Festival 2010, 2011

  • Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2011, 2013

  • Seattle Fringe Festival 2012

  • South by Southwest 2012

  • Palm Springs International Film Festival 2012

  • Anchorage International Film Festival 2009, 2010, 2011

Volunteer Coordination

  • Northwest Film Forum

  • Anchorage International Film Festival 2009, 2010, 2011

Development/Fundraising

  • Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2012

  • Alaska Film Forum

Special Events

  • Seattle International Film Festival 2012

  • Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival 2012

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Testimonials

"I had the distinct opportunity to work with Beth Varner, who was the House Manager for NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) for several years.  Beth is smart, focused and committed to excellence in her work.  She juggled an amazing workload of a packed four-day festival — from supervising volunteer staff to managing pass distribution and ticket sales to coordinating logistics and managing a hectic schedule.  I trusted her sensibility and authority and I’m sure that the festival ran better with Beth at the helm.  I recommend Beth without reservation."
- Stefanie Malone, Managing Director at National Film Festival for Talented Youth

"Beth is a an absolute pleasure to work with. Her attention to detail and dedication to what she is doing is admirable. She is extremely knowledgeable in special events and festivals, works well with a diverse grouping of individuals and handles stressful situations with grace and ease. Beth knows how to problem-solve, trouble-shoot and think on her feet in times of chaos. She does all of this while also making everything look to easy - patrons never know about the fires that are being put out. Beth is a true asset to any team." 
- Ben McCarthy, Special Events Assistant at Seattle International Film Festival

"Often, Beth took on additional tasks by introducing films, helping move print media, designing a volunteer survey and participating in post-festival meetings. She even made a point of meeting every volunteer who signed up for a shift and later thanking them by acknowledging their work at our volunteer party. Remarkably, Beth accomplished all this while working a full-time job. Her reliability, organizational skills and enthusiasm prompted the board to present her with a special commendation during the festival's award ceremony." 
- Dawnell Smith, Festival Manager at Anchorage International Film Festival  

"My first experience with Beth at the Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF) was when I was a volunteer and she was the Volunteer Coordinator. She was amazing - organized, efficient and personable. She could always be counted on to provide enthusiastic volunteers that knew where to be, when to be there and what to do when they got there. Volunteers enjoyed working with Beth and because of her they came back season after season."
- Dean Franklin, Board Member at Anchorage International Film Festival