Optimus Promotes Tracy Spera and Jon Desir to Executive Producers

Production and post house Optimus today announces the promotions of Tracy Spera and Jon Desir to executive producer. In the new roles, Spera and Desir will assume internal leadership responsibilities as well as business development outreach, while still maintaining hands-on production responsibilities.

“We have no doubt Tracy and Jon will excel as they take on more leadership of Optimus’s overall operations and greater roles in actively promoting our talented artists to clients,” said Optimus EP/Managing Director Brian Hrastrar. “Tracy has diligently worked her way up through the producing ranks and brings a broad perspective of project management, a welcoming and reassuring demeanour, and a deft touch to every project she tackles. Since joining Optimus, Jon has excelled at making connections with fellow staff and clients alike. His smarts, work ethic, positive outlook and embracing of our changing business dynamics will serve him well in his expanded position.”

Spera graduated from Columbia College Chicago. She started as an intern at Optimus and worked her way up the ranks from associate all the way through to EP on clients including Bayer, Henry’s, Olive Garden, Payless and Rustoleum. From Chicago, she currently lives in Logan Square with her husband (who just happens to be the Optimus director of technology). Says Spera, “I am honoured to be promoted to EP. The ability to continue working alongside the most talented people in a place where I grew up professionally feels extremely special and rare. I look forward to helping drive Optimus forward during these rapidly changing and exciting times.” 

Born in New York and raised in Michigan, Desir graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2004. He moved to Chicago as an intern at Red Car, where he stayed for almost 10 years, climbing to the highest position of EP before moving to Optimus as VFX/Design EP in 2013. He has worked with clients including American Family Insurance, CDW, Coors Light, McDonalds, Miller Lite and State Farm. Comments Desir, “My priorities in the new role are recruitment and career development. We have a great crop of talent, which is why our clients work with us. In order to maintain those relationships, we must keep a constant eye on the next generation of artists that will push our work to the top. And, our culture is second to none, making us so great to work with as a client or within these walls as staff. Across the board, our team treats every project with the utmost respect and professionalism no matter what hurdles present themselves.”