Emerson trustee named Patron Technology VP

Robert B. Friend ’79, a trustee and past president of the Emerson Alumni Association, has been named vice president of business development and strategy at Patron Technology of New York City.

The company describes itself as the leader in e-marketing technology for arts and nonprofit organizations, boasting more than 1,800 clients.

“I am truly excited to be joining such a dynamic and forward-thinking team,” Friend said, “whose goal is to affordably deliver innovative cloud solutions to all facets of the live entertainment community.”

Friend said the demand for cloud computing in marketing and collaboration is rising, and “return on investment is now possible in ways never before imagined.”

Eugene Carr, Patron’s chief executive officer, recognizes Friend’s three decades of experience of management in nonprofit and commercial performing arts, sports and technology industries.

“We are thrilled that Robert Friend is joining our team,” Carr said, “both for his decades of experience in our field and because, like Patron Technology, he is dedicated to education, learning, and helping develop the next generation of arts and ticketing executives.”

Friend previously worked as vice president of sales and marketing for Choice Ticketing Systems. He lives in Madison, Connecticut, with his wife and three children.
Friend serves on the Emerson Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors for the League of Historic American Theatres.