Meet the Team
As we look to the future, it is with an eye toward further defining what it means to be a full-service boutique agency, poised to provide the highest-level artist management services for performers and presenters around the world.
John Zion, President & CEO
John Zion (he/him) serves as the President & CEO of MKI Artists where he oversees the careers of its prestigious roster of artists, ensembles, and composers. He is also a co-founder of OurConcerts.live, a streaming platform and technology company that produced more than 300 virtual concerts during the pandemic in collaboration with Spivey Hall, the University of Connecticut’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, Washington Performing Arts, and many other presenting organizations. OurConcerts.live continues to provide access to live music for audiences around the world.
Also an active consultant, John works with artists, administrators, and arts organizations on career development, project management, and digital marketing. John serves on the board of Chamber Music America and has taught and presented on arts-related issues at the Colburn School of Music, University of Michigan, Manhattan School of Music, Netherlands String Quartet Academy, Banff Centre, APAP|NYC, and Chamber Music America’s National Conference. In 2012, he was named one of the “Rising Stars in the Performing Arts” by Musical America.
John studied at Lawrence University and the Hartt School of Music; before coming to MKI Artists, he performed regularly as a violinist with orchestras throughout New England, taught public-school music, and toured Vietnam with his string quartet. He lives in Burlington, VT with his wife Emily and enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling in his spare time.
CONTACT
Phone: (802) 658-2592
Email: john@mkiartists.com
Senior Leadership
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Alicia Horwitz
DIRECTOR OF BOOKING & ARTIST MANAGEMENT
Alicia Horwitz (she/her) serves as the Director of Artist Management and Booking overseeing booking, artist management, and playing an important role assisting with strategic planning. A seasoned arts executive with more than a decade of experience, Alicia previously held the title of Vice President of Booking at Columbia Artists and co-founded the agency Artist Management Partners Worldwide LLC. As an agent, producer and manager of live performances, she is a relationship-builder and trusted partner in bringing the performing arts to life onstage. Alicia holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music (MM), Columbia University (BA) and Fordham Law School (JD).
In her spare time, Alicia enjoys raising two children in New York City and is the principal flutist of the Camerata Notturna Orchestra.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: alicia@mkiartists.com -
Brooke Quiggins Saulnier
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Brooke Quiggins-Saulnier (she/her) serves as the Director of Operations at MKI Artists, overseeing operations, human resources, and finances while playing an important role assisting with strategic planning. Prior to relocating to Vermont in 2017, she previously served as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), where she planned and directed major events, and oversaw staff and student committees. She has participated in Chamber Music America’s National Conference.
Brooke studied violin performance at MSM, where she earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees. She continues to perform actively as a freelance violinist. In her free time, Brooke enjoys running, hiking, and drinking Vermont beer.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: brooke@mkiartists.com
Artist Management & Booking
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Jarvis Benson
ARTIST MANAGER
Jarvis Benson (he/him) serves as an Artist Manager at MKI Artists. Jarvis’ experience comes from serving as Managing Director and Music Supervisor of Rootstock Republic, a string production company based in New York City.
Jarvis covers a lot of musical ground in the artistic world. The classically-trained, New York-based musician has had the opportunity to collaborate with many major artists — most notably Shawn Mendes, PJ Morton, Marin Alsop, Gary Shocker, and many others. He was also part of NBC’s Emmy Award-Winning and Grammy Award-nominated production of “Jesus Christ Superstar—LIVE” featuring John Legend. Jarvis was also part of the Emmy Award-winning Hip Hop Nutcracker broadcast for PBS.
In his free time, Jarvis enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: jarvis@mkiartists.com -
Laura Dunaway
ARTIST MANAGER & BOOKING REPRESENTATIVE
(MIDWEST & ORCHESTRAS)Laura Dunaway (she/her) joined MKI Artists in 2021, continuing her nearly two-decade career in the performing arts. She oversees bookings for guest artists with orchestras and venues across the Midwest. In 2016, Laura founded Innovative Performing Artists, Inc., collaborating with exceptional artists to offer tailored booking and creative services.
Previously, Laura was with United Talent Agency, booking a diverse roster, including Alison Balsom, Jake Shimabukuro, and more across North America. Her extensive experience spans artist management, booking, public relations, and performance.
Laura directed Workplace Programs at Business Committee for the Arts, founded by David Rockefeller. She's held key roles at Park Avenue Artists, Alliance Artist Management, Vantage Artists Management, and ICM Artists, and interned with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Laura graduated from The Peabody Institute with a Master’s in percussion performance and a Bachelor’s from the University of Miami. Besides her professional roles, she’s a mom to a child, two cats, and two dogs.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: laura@mkiartists.com -
Steven Palacio
BOOKING REPRESENTATIVE (WEST COAST)
Steven Palacio (he/him) joins MKI Artists as its West Coast booking representative. Prior to joining the team, he served as the Midwest agent at Columbia Artists Management and later at Rhythm of the Arts overseeing client relationships in the Midwest and Southeast territories. Steven has a long been interested in all facets of the performing arts industry. He is a former board member of the Ohio Arts Professional Network and has previously served as the interim manager of communications at the League of American Orchestras.
In addition to booking, Steven enjoys an active performance career and has been a guest in the Bassoon sections of the Seattle Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, The Knights, and is frequently seen performing with the Albany Symphony is acting principal bassoon of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. He holds degrees from the Florida State University, the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Juilliard School.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: steven@mkiartists.com
Operations
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Chelsea Pierce
ARTIST LIAISON
Chelsea Pierce (she/her) serves as Artist Liaison at MKI Artists, where she coordinates servicing and tour logistics. Prior to joining MKI Artists in 2022, she worked in orchestra operations at the Bozeman Symphony and the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. While at the Bozeman Symphony, she oversaw the organization’s launch of live-streamed concerts and a contemporary music series, Current Commotion.
Chelsea completed her Master of Music degree in violin performance at the University of Denver and earned her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Montana. She lives in Sacramento, CA and enjoys skiing, traveling, and backpacking in her free time.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: chelsea@mkiartists.com -
Alexandra Warner-Valley
ARTIST LIAISON
Alexandra Warner-Valley (she/her) serves as Artist Liaison for MKI Artists, where she coordinates concert servicing, tour logistics, and marketing efforts.
Prior to joining MKI Artists in 2023, Alexandra served as a producer for OurConcerts.live, providing access to live music for audiences around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production & Design from Pace University. She lives in Loveland, Colorado and enjoys exploring the Rockies and traveling in her free time.
CONTACT
Phone: 802-658-2592
Email: alexandra@mkiartists.com