Amanda LaFollette Blackman

Amanda LaFollette Blackman has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning multiple industries. Amanda currently holds the position of Chief Strategy Officer at AKA NYC since June 2021, where they lead the company's strategic initiatives. Prior to this role, they served as the SVP of Creative Strategy and Experiential Design at the same company since October 2017.

Before joining AKA NYC, Blackman worked at FreemanXP from November 2016 to October 2017, where they held the position of VP and Group Creative Director. In this role, they oversaw the creative direction of various projects.

From September 2005 to November 2016, Blackman worked at Jack Morton Worldwide as VP and Senior Creative Director. Amanda was responsible for creating and producing exceptional experiences for clients such as Procter & Gamble, MTV, Walmart, and American Airlines. Amanda achieved a win rate of over 75% in new business pitches and successfully led creative teams throughout the project lifecycle.

In their earlier career, Blackman held several roles in the entertainment and theater industry. Amanda worked at mark burnett as part of the Creative Development team for "The Apprentice" from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, they served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago from 2001 to 2004. At Famous Door Theatre, they held the position of Managing Director from 2001 to 2003, where they produced acclaimed theater productions and managed the theater's budget.

Blackman also gained experience in marketing and general management roles at Yale Repertory Theatre, New York Stage and Film, and Manhattan Theatre Club from 1999 to 2001.

Overall, Blackman's work experience showcases their expertise in strategy, creative direction, event production, and theater management.

Amanda LaFollette Blackman began their education at O'Gorman from 1990 to 1994, where they did not pursue any specific degree or field of study. Amanda then attended South Dakota State University from 1994 to 1998, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and Theatre. Finally, they attended Yale University from 1998 to 2001, where they obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama School/SOM.