Mark McBride, Improv Spaces Board Member

We are really excited to announce that Mark McBride has accepted to come onboard as the newest member of Improv Spaces’s board. We also want to give a major thank you Eva Sackal for having served this past inaugural year and for having been such an enthusiastic supporter of Improv Spaces with her expertise and volunteerism at our events!

We are thrilled to introduce Mark to you all and thank him for supporting us with advice and ideas even before coming onto the board. We know Mark will be an amazing asset to the board as we go forward past our first year and into 2025 with some exciting new programs!

Here’s some more about Mark:
MARK MCBRIDE is a Director at Ithaka S+R, a research and strategic consulting organization. At its core, Ithaka S+R partners with libraries, museums, archives, and universities to navigate change and strengthen their essential missions, crafting sustainable strategies for collections and services while addressing critical challenges in higher education.

Mark’s work at Ithaka S+R focuses on helping libraries, museums, and archives develop sustainable strategies for their collections and services, while also leading research initiatives that address critical challenges in higher education, including basic student needs and organizational effectiveness. Drawing on his background in media arts from the University at Buffalo’s Department of Media Study and his love for improvisation in both art and life, Mark brings a uniquely creative perspective to leading teams and developing innovative solutions. His collaborative approach, informed by his deep appreciation for human expression and creativity, helps cultural and educational institutions adapt to change while preserving and strengthening their core values and community impact.

Drawing on his love for improvisation—whether in performance, music, or navigating complex organizational challenges—Mark brings a uniquely creative perspective to his work. His portfolios span several key program areas, including research into collections and infrastructure dynamics within libraries and cultural organizations, initiatives addressing basic student needs in higher education, and investigations into organizational structures and open education frameworks.

As a thought leader in higher education, Mark brings both artistic sensitivity and a proven track record of implementing transformative changes within complex organizations. In his role at Ithaka S+R, he leads a dynamic team of researchers and analysts who investigate how institutions can optimize their organizational strategies and service delivery models. His collaborative approach, informed by his deep appreciation for human expression and creativity, helps educational and cultural institutions develop innovative solutions that enhance their impact and sustainability.

We look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming performances and events including the December 2nd program An Ill-Fitting Garment — Album Release Tour with Eli Wallace, Bill Harris, Josh Berman and Ishmael Ali & special performance by Matt Weston. RSVP here.

See you all soon!
Alex and Adam