Adirondack Studios, provider of design, fabrication and project management of scenic construction solutions worldwide, has hired industry veteran Nicola Rossini in the newly created role of Portfolio Director. The new position and Rossini’s appointment represent a transition in the company’s project management approach – another strategic shift as ADKS celebrates its 50th anniversary and looks to future-proof its operations.
Rossini’s career has spanned a variety of entertainment and cultural verticals, including theatre, dance, opera, art, global events, music festivals and location-based entertainment (LBE). She first bridged into the themed entertainment industry on early development of Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi. From there, the knowledge she gained with interactive development at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, combined with her experience with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, led to roles in special effects and integration for Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Other notable executive producer credits and clients include Motiongate, Hub Zero, Universal Creative, The Queen Mary, Vancouver Fringe Festival, Procter & Gamble’s Retail X Initiative, international tourism boards in Japan, and several upcoming experiential, interactive and immersive gaming projects. In all aspects of her life, her motto is “what you call a fantasy, I call a plan.”
With a passion for building new pathways into the industry, a keen eye for spotting emerging talent, and a love for fostering cross-functional teams, Rossini enjoys teaching at various levels, from working with self-built programs such as Next Gen Symposium to more traditional education venues like the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, University of North Carolina School of the Arts and University of Southern California. She has also contributed content and expertise to such conferences as IAAPA, USITT, SATE and Denver Founder’s Week. Rossini is the proud co-founder of Harriet B’s Descendants, an organization dedicated to fostering relationships with and between current and emerging professionals of traditionally underrepresented groups.
The additions of Rossini and the Portfolio Director role mark a turning point in ADKS’ approach to project delivery. The Portfolio Directors will assign all Project Managers and oversee all projects within their given portfolio, ensuring that their project processes and teams are operating smoothly, collaboratively and according to the agreed upon schedule and budget. This structure marries high-level project direction with top-tier account management, ensuring the best possible professional growth experience for project teams and the best possible customer service experience for clients. Rossini’s goal for the new position is to establish pathways for ADKS to augment its already well-recognized working relationships with key theme park operators. Her vision involves identifying where the company can grow with new segments and partners as well as how ADKS can develop true co-creation relationships with existing clients through work that consistently exceeds expectations.
“In the ecosystems of scenic design and fabrication studios, legacy-owned groups are becoming a rare breed, while ADKS continues to grow, learn, and evolve,” explains Rossini. “They’ve also routinely served as an entry point or the important step up for people growing their entertainment design practice and developing into new roles. I’m excited to be joining so many new colleagues alongside those I’ve worked with for decades to add support and structure to these teams and deliver on our clients’ dreams.”
“Nicola is a tremendous addition to our re-focused Project Delivery Team,” added Jeff Moulton, VP of Project Delivery. “Her extensive resume and highly regarded industry standing speak for themselves. What excited me most, though, is our shared vision for providing concierge-level dedication and care, delivering not just world-class product, but a level of passion and partnership worthy of ADKS and our top-tier clients.”
Members of the Adirondack Studios team will attend the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit February 17-19 and the Themed Entertainment Association’s INSPIRE Week and Thea Awards Gala March 12-16. To schedule a meeting, contact [email protected].
