Joshua Robert Bowen, J.D.

I’ve always thrived at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and operations.

From launching immersive productions to building new departments, I’ve consistently identified gaps and created solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Whether coordinating nationally televised events, driving $4.5 million in operational savings, or leading innovative marketing initiatives, I bridge creative vision with data-driven execution.

Earning a J.D. during the pandemic expanded my expertise in business planning and negotiations, adding a powerful layer to my leadership toolkit. My career has taken me from theater stages to corporate boardrooms, where I’ve managed teams, streamlined processes, and created engaging experiences.

  • My career began after earning a B.F.A. from Michigan State University, starting with my role at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts where I coordinated educational programs and managed youth engagement initiatives.

    During my time as a director and producer for various theatrical productions, I mastered the art of bringing stories to life. My work included directing thought-provoking plays and immersive theatrical events, such as the edu-entertainment skits for Olin Health Center, which addressed significant social issues through theatre, and an original cabaret that sold out its three-week run.

    Transitioning into the business world, I applied these storytelling and strategic planning skills at Quick Release_, where I not only led the creation and execution of global town halls but also spearheaded multi-channel marketing campaigns that significantly enhanced our digital presence and business results. Under my leadership, our social media follower count grew by 46% in the first year, and after a successful ad campaign, our company’s sales revenue in the US saw a 16.4% increase.

    This blend of theatre arts and corporate strategy underscores my unique qualification for leadership roles in any dynamic organization, demonstrating my ability to oversee complex projects and lead diverse teams towards a common goal, with proven results in both audience engagement and business metrics.

  • Through a proactive approach and strategic foresight, I have consistently created and filled critical roles that better the company I work for.

    Starting as a temporary employee at SMS Assist, I quickly established a new data analytics department, managing:

    • Over $20 million in annual transactions

    • A team of 50+ independent contractors

     My leadership and foundation of this new role earned me the "Entrepreneurial Spirit Award" for outstanding innovation and leadership within the company.

    At Quick Release_, I expanded my role from data analysis to include strategic business functions, which led to:

    • An annual savings of $4.5 million for Ford Motor Company through enhanced prototyping processes

    • The delivery of 2,599 unique parts, including 796 product changes over a 60-week period

    My work across different companies and industries shows a consistent track record of using data analytics to drive efficiency and growth.

  • When the pandemic disrupted the arts industry, I seized the opportunity to broaden my skill set and pursued a J.D. through the Evening Program at Wayne State University Law School on a full-ride scholarship. Balancing rigorous academics while working full-time, I maintained a 3.9 GPA and graduated in the top 5% of my class.

    At law school, I focused on:

    • Business planning and negotiations: Gaining expertise in contracts, risk assessment, and deal structuring.

    • Entertainment Law: Learning how legal frameworks can strengthen organizations, particularly in arts management and production.

    This education has given me a powerful toolkit for leading teams, managing budgets, and ensuring operations run efficiently and equitably

  • While balancing a full-time job and law school, I have also been involved with the National Ronald McDonald Program, contributing to their events on holidays and weekends.

    • Major Events: I contributed to the organization and execution of major national and international events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Essence Festival in New Orleans, and the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain.

    • Cultural and Community Engagement: In addition to the large events above, I also helped organize cultural celebrations and community engagements such as Children’s Youth Day in Oahu, Hawaii, Fiestas Patrias in Atlanta, Georgia, and the HBCU football halftime in Birmingham, Alabama.

    • Gala and Fundraising Initiatives: I also assisted in planning various RMHC galas and black-tie affairs. These events would generate $250,000+ for the RMHC charities.

    • Training and Best Practices Development: I developed a best practices and guidelines video for booking celebrity appearances of Ronald McDonald and a new hiring process for performers. This ensured consistency and professionalism in the portrayal of one of the world’s most recognized characters.

    My ongoing commitment to the Ronald McDonald Program demonstrates my ability to manage complex projects and engage with diverse stakeholders.