Gary Leffler is an arts administration, marketing and development professional with over 30 years experience in the music and performing arts sectors. His passion for pursuing a career organized around entertainment, creativity and inspiration began by playing baritone saxophone in his small, Midwestern high school band. As an arts enthusiast living in Chicago, he discovered his greatest contribution would be as an arts administrator, enabling and elevating the work of those with unmistakable talent. Through his efforts with non-profit theatre companies and aspiring Broadway producers, Gary helped develop Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District in the 1990s. He had the pleasure of being on the producer’s staff of three Tony Award-winning musicals, and the honor of working with the Mayor’s Officeof Special Events to launch city sponsored festivals for theatre and music, as well as a tourism campaign leveraging the booming arts and culture sector as an important visitation driver. 

 

In 2007, Gary began a new pursuit in Las Vegas, working for a theatrical producer with five musicals in five casinos along the Strip. Las Vegas quickly became home and manifested a desire to impact the success of local arts organizations. For nearly a decade Gary worked with Nevada Ballet Theater on their branding and growth initiatives. Now, as an independent arts administration consultant, he is honored to help non-profit organizations like Jazz Outreach Initiative excel in their role as our city’s culture creators for generations to come.