Testimonials
“Emma Dunch managed and co-authored a monumental 3-year strategic pan for Dance/NYC, which was piloted as a branch of the national service organization, Dance/USA. Her work set in motion a course for future organizational programs, operations and finances which, I believe, is also answer to the question about what is best for dance in NYC and in America. She demonstrated to me the sort of thought leadership and a “do what it takes to succeed” approach to her work which all of us in the arts so need. I am very proud to have worked with her and offer my highest recommendation.”
Lane Harwell
director of Dance/NYC
“Emma Dunch worked with Longwood Symphony Orchestra from January to June 2011 as Interim Executive Director, during which time she stabilized and enhanced the organization’s financials, identified and cultivated new leadership, and empowered a newly revitalized Board–all in six months. Deliverables were fully met, and on time. Through it all, she maintained an upbeat positive attitude that was infectious. I could not recommend her more highly.”
Lisa M. Wong, M.D.
President, Longwood Symphony Orchestra
“Emma Dunch is one of the sharpest and most knowledgeable Non-Profit Management Consultants I have had the pleasure to collaborate with. She has an amazing ability to listen and quickly “zoom in” on the big picture (the organization’s mission) and the tiniest of details (implementation of the mission at every single level). She patiently and sensitively guides her clients through a careful and non-judgemental analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of an artistic project and contributes her clear and wonderfully focused perspective. She is also unafraid to roll up her sleeves and work side by side with one on strategies, budgets, and final presentations. I would not hesitate to recommend Emma Dunch to any organization that needs a strong comrade-in-arms because this is someone who can be trusted to contribute feedback that is honest, yet caring and uplifting. Her gift is also her ability to bring out the best in others! Every single work session I have had with Emma has revealed a new path or opportunity for the Latino International Theater Festival of New York, Inc. I am grateful for her brillliance and loving support.” October 22, 2010
Susana Tubert
“Lebanon Opera House (a small non-profit performing arts center in Lebanon, NH) hired Dunch Arts to help us organize a $500,000 campaign. Not only did she provide valuable support in crafting our message to the public, but she went out of her way to help the board and staff train and feel comfortable asking for major gifts. Emma has touched base with us multiply times since her contract ended and offers continued feedback. Her expertise and thoughtful involvement has been invaluable to our campaign.” October 22, 2010
Heather Clow
“Emma is a highly efficient and professional consultant with in-depth knowledge of, and real passion for, the international arts scene. In her capacity as the American Friends of the LPO liasion she was an absolute pleasure to work with, creating and managing flawless cultivation events thoughout the year and around the Orchestra’s US tours, securing sponsorship from corporates such as HSBC Bank, steering a volunteer board and developing a Manhattan-based major donor group to support the Orchestra. Her professionalism, communication skills and charm are second-to-none. I can highly recommend working with Emma and Dunch Arts.” September 28, 2010
Emma O’Connell
Development Director, London Philharmonic Orchestra
“Emma literally hit the ground running as Interim Director of Development for Tulsa Opera. Her focused, practical, and goal-oriented work ethic was balanced with a truly wonderful sense of humor . Additionally, Emma was a wonderful mentor to the two employees under her direct supervision.” July 9, 2009
Carol I. Crawford
“Emma is quite simply one of the most energetic and intelligent people I’ve met. She has a very broad background in the arts, especially music, and knows tremendous amounts about arts management from all angles. This makes her an incredibly effective fundraiser, because she really understands the product.” June 28, 2007
Edward Yim
Senior Vice President, Artist Manager, IMG Artists
“Emma’s work is astounding. Her energy and commitment to Glimmerglass Opera resulted in an extremely successful annual campaign. Not only did her efforts bring increased donations, but her leadership initiatives grew the organization during a time of vast change. She remains among the most brilliant and hard working leaders in arts management — and I anticipate we’ll see more phenomenal work in the future. Her skill, drive and enthusiasm have been the midas touch for many institutions. She is a real pleasure to work with and learn from.” May 5, 2008
Theresa Letman
Director of Marketing, Glimmerglass Opera
“Emma is extremely talented, intelligent, and completely focused on performing her work to the highest level of excellence possible. She is a wonderfully enthusiastic supervisor, one who strongly supports the people who report to her and who wants to facilitate their best performance. Her knowledge in her field is extensive, but beyond her technical skills, she has a great charisma and infectious energy that enable her to excel as a leader.” February 15, 2007
Joanne Tobey
Director of Development Operations, Glimmerglass Opera
“Emma brought tremendous energy and intelligence to all the projects she managed here at WNYC. Among her many assets, she was always able to stay calm and focussed and mindful of the big picture, no matter how large the problem facing her. Emma made the most of the few resources available for marketing in our industry, and succeeded in raising the station’s profile as well as those of individual hosts. Her sense of humor and her love of music and the arts were all delightful side benefits of her presence at WNYC.” August 17, 2007
Chris Bannon
Co-executive Producer, “The Next Big Thing” from PRI and WNYC, WNYC
