Forward Performing Arts and the Madison Scouts welcomes the return of Jeff Spanos in the role of Development Director where he will be responsible for strategic business partnerships and key fundraising initiatives.

“It is a privilege to have Jeff return to work with the organization,” said Executive Director Chris Komnick. “Under the new Forward Performing Arts umbrella, Jeff will bring a strong sense of purpose and drive to our fundraising and partnership endeavors. His experience and outgoing approach will be a valuable asset as we expand our reach and music education mission in the State of Wisconsin.”Most recently, Jeff was a Partnership Director at Gillware, a Madison-based provider of data recovery and digital forensics software and services. Previous to that role, he was a business specialist for Apple Corporation where he cultivated B2B relationships for Apple technology platforms.From 2006 - 2012, Jeff played key roles in the Madison Scouts organization by serving as Executive Director and Development Director. During his tenure, the organization required a major rebuilding of its financial infrastructure and Jeff was instrumental in helping develop key industry partners that resulted in new sustaining revenue streams. In addition, he helped oversee the rebuilding of its donor program and its double-digit growth during his tenure.“I am excited to return to the Scouts organization and its newly crafted vision for Forward Performing Arts,” said Spanos. “We got a good start on things a few years ago and it is great to return to help build the foundation on which to grow this performing arts organization in Madison and the State of Wisconsin.”Mr. Spanos holds a bachelors of arts degree (‘97) in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. In addition to being an alumnus of the Madison Scouts (‘90-’95) and Madison Jr. Scouts (‘89), Jeff was also a performing artist and featured soloist in the Orlando-based production of Blast!. Jeff held teaching positions with Phantom Regiment Cadets, Pioneer, and the Madison Scouts and has worked with numerous schools and university percussion programs across the Midwest. He has also been teaching percussion privately for over 20 years.