Geoff Yost

Most recently, he was Director of Marketing and Communications at Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, S.C., one of the nation's largest performing arts festivals. At Spoleto, he revolutionized the organization's digital storytelling, implementing comprehensive engagement strategies to drive sales growth and increase patron lifetime value. He spearheaded modernization of the Festival's content infrastructure, acquiring the hardware, software, and team capacity necessary to produce the high-quality digital storytelling and analytics-informed business practices that today's audiences expect.

Previously, he was an independent arts marketing and strategy consultant, working with clients to develop new ideas and solve consequential problems. This practice grew out of his time as partner and creative director at Annex Studio, a Charleston-based digital branding firm he founded, specializing in arts and culture. During his tenure, he led client relations, business development, and design strategy for projects with the City of Charleston, the College of Charleston, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Charleston County Public Library, The Citadel Foundation, and WDAV Classical Public Radio, among others. Across his client work, he specialized in the translation of organizational mission into audience-centered brand experiences, with particular expertise in visual identity systems, brand positioning, and digital storytelling.

Geoff is a frequent speaker with talks often focusing on emerging technologies in arts administration, including the application of AI systems in arts marketing and the importance of developing an owned-media strategy. In 2025, he presented at PechaKucha Night Charleston, and has been a guest lecturer at the College of Charleston and Stanford University.

In addition to his work in the arts, Geoff has significant experience in high-stakes events and strategic communications. He was a White House Advance Associate in the Obama administration's second term, producing events for the Office of the Vice President. In 2014, he was the Swearing-in Ceremony Event Producer for the Terry McAuliffe Inaugural Committee in Richmond, Va. He's worked on statewide and national political campaigns and events, including the 2012 presidential cycle where he worked on the Democratic National Convention in his hometown of Charlotte, President Obama's Election Night celebration in Chicago, and the 57th Presidential Inauguration in the nation's capital.

Geoff is an active member of his community and has served on numerous boards and committees in volunteer capacities. He's a current member of the board of directors of Charlotte Choir School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from the College of Charleston, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of The George Street Observer, the student newspaper.