621events is built on passion, commitment, hustle, and hard work – the same way I live my life. Over the many years, I have had the pleasure of a vast array of events – a number of community-based events as well as many private ventures. From a multi-year subcontract with First Night Alexandria to a non-official Inaugural at The Folger to the only outdoor showing in the DMV of the “RBG” movie. My heart sang with the “RBG” movie! Then as March 2020 descended on all of us, less than 14 days before one of 621events most significant and pivotal events, the world shut down — an amazing 500+ person event was set, all aligned – dance & drinks at DC Union Market’s Dock 5. This particular event should have been a straightforward event in the planning and execution, it wasn’t, it was a doozy – so much learned – but it was set to be a success with the amazing team of vendors we had assembled. Post-March 2020, turned to 2022….621events pivoting to take on more and mostly events that solely ignite me, ignite the process, and ignite my passion for planning and working with awesome people. Consciously pivoting back towards more social, weddings, and end-of-life celebrations. Well….the world allowed ample time to do that!
A bit of background, I started out in corporate as a government contractor tripping into a job at the age of 22 that actually used my BS degree. When contracts – favorite was heading up chemical, biological, nuclear warfare classes, yes, for reals – that I worked on, and was passionate about, fell through and I had the opportunity to walk away from corporate to become the Director of Events at The Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) I ran, not walked. I spent 10 years at TFAC, most likely overstaying my welcome – I craved to run the place. I loved the work, the challenge. Let it also be noted at 2019’s DC Startup Week I ‘won’ the biggest failure award – in a most excellent way! – in reference to overstaying at TFAC. (Did I mention I am wicked competitive? A win is a win.)
Outside of 621events and my professional background, I’ve been doing short course triathlons for over 20 years – well over 60, including two 70.3’s. Two marathons, three Tough Mudders, and Casco Bay Swim-Run (Google it!). Oh the stories I have. The takeaway here….they might be taking down the Finish Line and they might be out of beer, but if you are the second to last to finish…….it’s all you can eat lobster. Just over three years ago I started coaching [solidcore]. It is by far the hardest workout I’ve ever done, like ever. To say I love it is an understatement, to say the least. Coaching people, like events, to push fills my soul.
The overall theme — I like doing things outside of my comfort zone, often by choice sometimes by chance. I hear we only go along this way once, might as well make it worth it.
