Context
Midtopia was created to support long-term sustainability within the independent music sector through education, programming, and partnership-driven initiatives. The organization operates in a fragmented, post-pandemic environment shaped by market consolidation and funding volatility, requiring disciplined program design, governance, and prioritization across a diverse stakeholder landscape.
The work involves building and operating programs, governance, and operating systems from zero while balancing mission-driven objectives with operational rigor, financial accountability, and realistic capacity constraints. The organization continues to operate while actively managing program evolution and long-term sustainability decisions.
My Role
I lead the design, launch, and ongoing operation of Midtopia's core programs and operating model.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and managing cross-functional programs spanning education, events, partnerships, and artist support
- Establishing governance structures, decision-making frameworks, and operating rhythms
- Owning budgets, forecasts, and financial oversight across programs
- Coordinating internal teams, external partners, funders, and community stakeholders
- Translating high-level strategy into executable plans under evolving constraints
The Work
- Designed operating models and program frameworks to support repeatable execution across initiatives
- Built planning artifacts, timelines, and dependency mapping to coordinate parallel workstreams
- Established budgeting, forecasting, and reporting structures to support financial discipline
- Led cross-functional collaboration across education, programming, marketing, and operations
- Managed program execution amid shifting funding conditions and external dependencies
- Documented learnings and iterated program design based on outcomes, constraints, and capacity
Outcomes
- Launched and continue to operate multiple cross-functional programs supporting artists and community partners
- Created durable operating systems enabling repeatable execution across initiatives
- Improved clarity and alignment across stakeholders through defined governance and planning structures
- Maintained financial oversight while operating within real-world funding constraints
- Produced documentation and transition artifacts supporting program continuity, evolution, and responsible long-term sustainability decisions
Media and External References
Included as third-party context and documentation of program scope and operating environment.
Organizational website
Organizational website documenting program scope, initiatives, and operating model.
Midtopia launches for independent artists
Music Connection
Coverage documenting the launch and structure of Midtopia's programs for independent artists.
What I'd Do Again or Differently
- Establish clear success metrics earlier to support disciplined evaluation and prioritization
- Formalize program lifecycle, transition, and sunsetting criteria to reduce long-term operational drag
- Design capacity and decision guardrails to prevent short-term ambition from creating downstream risk