DANCE DATA PROJECT EXPANDS ADVISORY COUNCIL AND WELCOMES NEW PRESS COORDINATOR

Northfield, IL | August 27th, 2025 | Dance Data Project (DDP) is thrilled to announce key additions to its team and Advisory Council.

James “Jim” Marrone joins DDP’s Advisory Council, bringing extensive experience as a Senior Economist at Amazon, where he devises causal methodologies to evaluate advertising products globally. Jim has also served as an economist and project lead at RAND Corporation, overseeing interdisciplinary research for clients including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State. Jim’s expertise in economics, data analysis, and policy research will provide invaluable guidance as DDP advances its mission of promoting gender equity in the dance industry.

“As the spouse of a working artist, I’ve seen firsthand how entrenched inequities limit opportunities for even the most gifted performers,” Jim shared. He expanded, “DDP is breaking down those barriers and reshaping the dance world for the better. With my background in research and analysis, I’m eager to help amplify their impact with data.”

DDP also welcomes Mari Meade as its new Press Coordinator. In this role, Mari will expand the organization’s media presence, ensuring DDP’s research, reports, and events reach key audiences. She will craft media pitches, coordinate interviews, and build relationships with local, hyper-local, and national press outlets both within and outside the dance industry.

“I’ve followed DDP for years, and every time a new study came out I devoured the information,” shared Mari. She continued, “I always thought it would be incredible to be part of this team on the forefront of working toward equity in dance and using hard data to make real change. It’s an honor to join their mission, and I’m truly thrilled.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to our Advisory Council and Mari as our new Press Coordinator,” said Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Yntema, Founder and President of Dance Data Project. “Jim brings a wealth of experience as a labor expert from outside the dance world, which enriches our perspective and strengthens our approach. Mari joins us as a seasoned arts entrepreneur, helping us further expand our global footprint and deepen our expertise in media relations.”

For more information on Dance Data Project® and our ongoing initiatives, please visit dancedataproject.com.