Joe Naftal

About Joe Naftal

Joe Naftal is an experienced business strategist and cross-functional organizational leader with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across creative industries. With expertise at the intersection of business, technology, and the performing arts, he helps unlock value through purposeful strategy and transformative customer experiences.An entrepreneur at heart, Joe has founded multiple ventures serving clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He brings a rare combination of creative vision and rigorous quantitative analysis, bridging intuition and data to drive confident decision-making.Joe’s background also includes work as a published author, lighting designer, and adjunct professor of theatre design. His creative work has been seen in theatres, dance companies, and theme parks worldwide, and he continues to advocate for sustainable growth in the arts through his service on several nonprofit boards.

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Dance Connection

   Jul 2024 — Present · Islip, NY, US

   Results-driven leader focusing on business strategy, marketing, operations, and customer experience for a multi-location performing arts organization. Delivered 20% YOY revenue growth and led expansion through new partnerships. Committed to scalable systems, team development, and long-term growth.

Education

• University of North Carolina School of the Arts

  Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Design and Production - Lighting Design

  2013 — 2017