Kristen Greiner: What is your title at the Iowa State Center?

Jonnie Nordaker: I’m officially called the advertising/promotions coordinator. I act as an in-house advertising agency to purchase print, radio and television ads for Season At Stephens events and contemporary concerts. One of my primary responsibilities is to work with media on creating contests and promotions to enhance the center’s shows. I’m also responsible for handling press requests for all performances at the Iowa State Center and managing media activities on the day of the show.

KG: Walk us through an average day.

JN: A lot of my time is spent at my desk making phone calls and placing orders to buy advertising. I spend a good deal of time reading newspapers and trade magazines and surfing the Web to keep up with advertising trends and what’s “hot” right now. Concert days are spent coordinating the photographers and videographers who come to get photos or footage and making sure the radio stations are “playing nice” when they set up in the Hilton parking lot to broadcast.

KG: How long have you been working at the Iowa State Center?

JN: I started in September, so I’ve been here just over eight months. It was kind of weird to move back to Ames 11 years later.

KG: What other jobs have you held in the past?

JN: My background is in radio. After graduating from Iowa State I did the midday shift on-air at KIDA radio in Ida Grove, Iowa, for a year. Yes, I did funeral reports and grain markets. Then I spent five years as a morning co-host at KJJC radio in Osceola/Indianola. I then spent five years at WHO radio and the Clear Channel Des Moines radio stations ending up as the promotions manager.

KG: What do you enjoy doing in your down time?

JN: I love to read, spend time with my wonderful circle of close friends and family, cook and watch movies. I also seem to have become addicted to Discovery’s The Science Channel. That one I can’t explain. I hated Biology 102 and I actually failed no-credit math.

KG: Anything coming up at the center that you are truly looking forward to?

JN: There are a lot of great things coming that I’m pumped about. Harry Connick Jr. with his Big Band on Friday at Stephens will be amazing. We have some great shows in our 2002-2003 Season At Stephens I’m looking forward to, including the musicals “Cabaret” and “Blast II Shockwave,” the London City Opera’s “Madame Butterfly,” Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Tango Buenos Aires.”

KG: Did you attend Iowa State? If so, when did you graduate and what was your major?

JN: Yes, I’m a proud alumna, class of 1990 (when did I get this old?).

I have a degree in Telecommunicative Arts, which was the study of radio, television and film with a minor in English. TCA doesn’t exist as a major any longer. In fact, the building where my major classes were held, Exhibit Hall, is now a parking lot.

KG: Rumor has it you also work at Hastings, Your Entertainment Superstore.

JN: I only work there for the discount and the first look at used CDs.

KG: What would be your dream event to come through the Iowa State Center?

JN: I’ve always said that I would love to see The Eagles and now my wish is coming true! I can’t wait for their July 13 show. Janet Jackson would be great, as well as “Cirque du Soleil.”

KG: What are your personal musical preferences?

JN: Here’s a sampling of the CDs I have in my office right now. Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra, Janet Jackson, “Control,” Harry Connick Jr., “Star Turtle,” The Disney “Pocahontas” soundtrack, the “Swingers” soundtrack, Susan Tedeschi, “Just Won’t Burn,” George Strait, “Easy Come Easy Go,” and, my must have, the “RENT” soundtrack. I’ve listened to the “RENT” soundtrack so many times that my office mate, Zach, is going to hurt me. I guess you could say that my taste in music is diverse.

KG: What has been your favorite act you’ve seen at the center, thus far?

JN: I can’t pick just one. I saw at least part of “RENT” all three nights back in October. The London City Opera’s “The Merry Widow” was my first opera experience and I loved it. The ‘N Sync show was amazing for the way they played to the entire arena in Hilton.

KG: Any words of wisdom?

JN: Students and youth get half-price tickets to Season At Stephens events. Take advantage of this while you have the chance. You will never again have the opportunity to see this caliber of performances at these prices.

I didn’t take advantage of it enough when I was a student and regret it. Make it a point to see something you never dreamed you would like because you’ll probably end up loving it.