Well Dunn Foundation Names Jacqueline Barsotti President 

Well Dunn Foundation has announced that longtime board member Jacqueline Barsotti will take on the role of president. Due to increased touring commitments, industry veteran David ‘5-1’ Norman of Tour Forensics is stepping down from the position but will continue serving on the Well Dunn Board of Directors.   

“Joining the Well Dunn board in 2020 marked the beginning of an incredible journey,” David ‘5-1’ Norman said in a statement. “During my tenure, Well Dunn extended its reach, supporting students from nearly all 50 states through mentorships, internships, and shadowing opportunities. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication of my touring colleagues and friends whose passion, work ethic, and commitment to nurturing the younger generation were invaluable. Together, we significantly broadened our efforts to foster diversity and inclusion. Passing the leadership torch to Jacqueline Barsotti fills me with pride. Having worked closely with her over the past years, I am confident that she embodies the vision and dedication necessary to propel Well Dunn forward. I eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead and have complete confidence that Jacqueline will navigate Well Dunn to unprecedented success.”

Norman — who graced the cover of Pollstar’s 2021 Impact 50 special with Roadies of Color United International co-founder Bill Reeves and recently moderated a panel at Production Live! — has over 40 years of global touring experiences including the roles of Tour Director, Tour Manager and Production Manager. Since joining Well Dunn in 2020, Norman helped create the Well Dunn Mentorship Program as well as the job shadowing initiative. He stepped into the role of President in 2022. 

Well Dunn was founded in 2012 to honor the memory of Emily Dunn, a music industry intern who was hired to open the San Francisco office of Superfly Presents after graduating college and tragically died just three weeks into her new position. An announcement from Well Dunn notes that her “unwavering commitment to leadership, integrity, confidence, and passion lives on through the work of Well Dunn,” which helps support the next generation entering the entertainment business by offering hundreds of college students mentorship, scholarship opportunities, internships, and job placement. Companies that have worked with Well Dunn to offer participants internships include The Recording Academy, CAA, Wasserman Talent Agency, Music Matters Productions and Superfly, among others.

Emily Dunn’s family – Deborah, Chris, and Amanda – released a group statement praising Norman: “We owe a debt to David for the incredible work he has done and programs he has initiated during his tenure as President that will continue to drive Well Dunn forward. His knowledge of the industry has been instrumental in enabling us to move closer to our mission of providing inclusive and equitable experiences to socioeconomically diverse students. We look forward to David’s continuing involvement as a member of the Well Dunn board. We need his enthusiasm, wisdom, and guidance to help keep us focused on building programs, opportunities, and leaders for the next generation.”

The family added a statement about Barsotti, saying, “We love her. She was Emily’s mentor. We know Well Dunn will be in good hands with Jacqueline leading us into our 2nd decade.”

Barsotti, whose career spans 25 years, serves as the chief Executive Optimist of Suite Treatments and is described as “as a visionary in the realm of event design and experiential marketing.” Her company handles everything from “transforming dressing rooms at stadium concerts to crafting immersive environments for Silicon Valley’s elite,” with a focus on creativity and attention to detail. 

“Emily Dunn was a huge part of my life during the first six years of our 15 years of Bonnaroo. I have many fond memories of countless festivals while she was in my life and right by my side, equally, I am humbled to have been a part of her journey,” Barsotti says. “It’s from this foundation of our relationship that Well Dunn and its mission will always be dear to my heart. I am honored to be named president. I intend to create financial growth within the program to help even more students.”

In other news, Leah Espinoza, a 2016 Well Dunn scholarship recipient who is currently serving as Creative Project Manager at C3 Presents, will also be joining the Board of Directors. She previously held positions at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Soundslinger, and Superfly Presents.

For more information please visit welldunn.org.