Full name: David S. (Dave) Briggs
Title: Executive director
Company: Shaw Center for the Arts
Age: 51
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Why do you do what you do?
I enjoy bringing all kinds of artistic activities to the general public. I believe it enhances their quality of life, and the arts in general provide much greater depth and insight and joy into our society and our personal life.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Probably developing a program that allowed every student in the school system in Caldwell County, N.C. to take part in at least two performing art events per year.
What was your first job?
Cleaning gravel from the parking lot and cleaning restrooms at Anton’s Restaurant in Columbus for $4 per day + lunch. I was 12.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
We all face challenges. It’s up to you to determine if it is an opportunity, an obstacle, or a roadblock.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Don’t know that I’ve made that determination yet. There are many wonderful business people here.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Director of Golf for Pinehurst Properties.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
I was very sick as a young adult. I had many challenges, but overcame them.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Work smarter, not harder.
What is your prescription for life?
Enjoy life. This not a dress rehearsal!
What book are you currently reading?
Turning Angel by Greg Iles.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Wow, now this is a fun question. Bill Gates, Phil Mickelson and Newt Gingrich. Not at the same time as I’d like to be able to enjoy my meal.
Who would play you in a movie?
Someone short, probably Richard Dreyfuss.
What do you do to unwind?
Read, play golf, enjoy an ice-cold beer and a good cigar.
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
Besides a house and car an LCD Television.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Playing golf, unless I have someone fun to spend time with.
What's your theme song?
“Circle” by Harry Chapin
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
Shaw Center for the Arts, of course!
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Coffee with cream, hot tea straight up, sweet ice tea!
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
This is difficult. I have many favorite movies: Network, M*A*S*H, Beatles
What is your favorite gadget?
My GPS
What is something that you can't live without?
Smart phone, Motorola Q, I’m a crackberry addict.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
I would like for Baton Rouge to become color-blind.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That it will realize its potential as a leading U.S. capital city in the United States.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That it will become mired in the past, and not go after the brass ring for a better future for all of its citizens.
Comments
Posted by ladybleaux on March 3, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gentlemen like Mr. Briggs coming to Baton Rouge with his experience and vision are one of the main ways we as a city are going to overcome the "good 'ole boy network" that still exists today and keeps Baton Rouge mired in the past. Never allowing our great and growing city to move forward and grow in all the wonderful and exciting ways we should because "we've never done it like that before". Well maybe its time "we done it like that NOW!!!"
Hopefully Baton Rouge will get a hundred more like Dave Briggs with their experience and vision and help drag Baton Rouge kicking and screaming into the 21st Century so that we can compete on the National level where we have belonged for so very many years.
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