With the presidential election on everyone’s mind, we figured we’d learn a bit more about our own president…Board President that is! Prior to being elected this year, Ollen Douglass was first a proud YAA parent (to Vinny Douglass, ‘19), then a Board Member, and then Board Treasurer. We sat down with him (at a distance) last week to learn a bit more about his life and his vision for YAA. Here’s what he had to say…
YAA: What was your biggest motivating factor to become Board President?
Ollen: I have no artistic talents of my own. But, I help to run a successful venture capital investment firm called Motley Fool Ventures that invests in mostly tech start-ups. I love business and wanted to offer my finance skills to an incredible arts organization like YAA to help it grow and continue to succeed.
YAA: Venture capitalism, huh? Like Shark Tank?
Ollen: Ha! Kind of but more money and less attitude!
YAA: Fair enough! So, why us? What do you love about YAA?
Ollen: Ever since my son Vinny (Douglass) was involved with YAA I have admired how YAA embodies their mission of artistry, excellence, mentorship and equity. The way YAA’s faculty and staff interact with their students, helping them develop and reach their full potential is of the highest caliber.
YAA: We know you said you’re not artistic, but you clearly are an arts-lover. What’s your favorite Broadway musical?
Ollen: Ooo! Fun question. I’ll give you a hint…”I got the horse right here, The name is Paul Revere, And here's a guy that says if the weather's clear, Can do, Can do!
YAA: Guys & Dolls!
Ollen: That’s the one!
YAA: Great choice. YAA has not done that one yet. What about your favorite YAA production?
Ollen: I’d say it’s a tie between In the Heights and Les Mis!
YAA: Great choices! So, when you’re not working, being a husband and father of three, watching YAA productions, and volunteering your time to us, what are you doing?
Ollen: I’m sleeping!
YAA: Ha! So what can we expect from your tenure? What are your top priorities?
Ollen: I want to make sure that YAA is prepared for the next generation. We have all been thinking about the changing landscape we are finding ourselves in with COVID. We are seeing that technology is playing a bigger role in our lives every day. I want to make sure that we are on the forefront of musical theatre education no matter what that looks now and in the future. How can we ensure we are always offering the next level of quality for those involved in our programming? That’s the question I want to make sure we’re always asking and successfully answering.
YAA: It’s not only technology that interests you though. You and your wife Julia have generously added a new scholarship fund to YAA’s scholarship options, this one specifically for students of color. Can you tell us more about this?
Ollen: Indeed! We are offering a scholarship for students of color and partnering with schools in our area to get the word out about it. We want to help expand the reach of YAA’s programming and ensure that its level of excellence is available to as many people as possible no matter your race, economics or creed. We do not want students to miss out just because of financing or lack of access. We want to find and grow great talent wherever it is.
YAA: Perhaps on a related note, what role do you see YAA having in the fight for racial equity in our community and beyond?
Ollen: I’ve always admired YAA’s leadership for how they expand opportunities for their students through the roles they cast and the programming they offer. I believe that YAA’s role during this time is to state the obvious - when we say Black Lives Matter it is not a political statement. It is a statement standing for human rights. In order for all lives to matter, Black lives must matter as well. We should all be working to ensure we have a fair and equitable world for everyone, and YAA can do this from where they stand as conveners, leaders and educators in our community.
YAA: Indeed! Anything else you'd like to share with us?
Ollen: I’m just so excited to be in this role as Board President. I’m super grateful to our community that supports us and I am fully committed to deliver the highest quality program for those that go through the program.
YAA: Well, we are very grateful to have you. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us and for all your work for YAA.
Ollen: Certainly!