About
We support a stronger creative economy in Philadelphia.
Arts, culture and the creative economy contribute to Philadelphia’s vibrancy and livability. They also generate more than $4 billion in economic activity and more than 50,000 jobs. The Arts + Business Council is dedicated to ensuring the success of Philadelphia’s creative economy through leadership development programs, events and volunteer opportunities that help make the sector more productive, impactful and inclusive.
Mission
To foster collaboration and exchange between the creative and business communities for the social and economic benefit of the Greater Philadelphia region.
Vision
The Greater Philadelphia region has a competitive advantage among U.S. cities because of the beneficial exchange between our region’s creative and business communities.
Meet the Team
Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson
Director
(215) 790-3827
[email protected]
Elizabeth (Liz) is an art appreciator, implementer, and process investigator. She is passionate about mixed race identity, inclusive and empowering leadership, nonprofit management, and professional development. She also serves on the Arts Administrators of Color Network’s Board of Directors.
Ajené Livingston
Manager
(215) 790-3806
[email protected]
Ajené is a performance artist with over 25 years of theatre experience. He applies his internationally curated creative processes to community organizing, nonprofit and business engagement , board development, leadership training, and independent adult education. Ajené currently serves on various boards, and is the Parks & Recreation Commission Chair for the City of Coatesville.
Yair Farkas
Intern
(215) 790-3716
[email protected]
Yair is a singer, a composer, and a fan of the arts. He has worked in arts, non-profit, and administrative spaces, and is happy to be combining all of his strengths. He joins the ABC team in the hopes of continuing to promote and facilitate conversations about art with the broader world.
Advisory Board
CHAIR
Marc Helberg
Managing Vice President, Pariveda Solutions
Andrea Allon
Chief Operating Officer, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Debra Breslow
Principal, Meyer Design
Jessica Calter
Director, Marketing and Communications, PIDC
Kelly Colarelli
Director, Customer Strategy and Governance, PECO Energy
Christine Cox
Founder, Artistic and Executive Director, BalletX
Donna Crilley Farrell
Vice President, Corporate Communications, Independence Blue Cross
Helen Fox
Senior Manager, Your Part-Time Controller
Valerie V. Gay
Deputy Director for Audience Engagement + Chief Experience Officer, Barnes Foundation
Jane Golden
Executive Director, City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Courtney Goldstein
Senior Vice President, Digital Sales & Marketing, Comcast
Lisa Nelson-Haynes
Executive Director, Philadelphia Young Playwrights
Marc Helberg
Managing Vice President, Pariveda
Alan Jacobson
President, Exit + J2 Design
Charles D. Kochka
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Meridian Bank
Bon Ku
Director of the Health Design Lab, Thomas Jefferson University
Siah McCabe
Population Health Specialist, Independence Blue Cross
Hugh McStravick
Vice President, Assistant Director, PNC Bank
Thomas Padon
Director, Brandywine River Art Museum
Mark Samuels
EVP, Chief Marketing Officer, SEI
Jason Schupbach
Dean, Westphal School, Drexel University
Andy Sofish
Office Lead, Principal, CapTech
Joseph A. Tammaro, Jr.
Sector President, Metro PA-NJ Middle Market & Public Finance Lending, TD Bank
Caryn Taylor-Lucia
Vice President, Events & Experience, SEI
Leslie Patterson-Tyler
Senior Director of Media Relations & Communications, Kimmel Center
David Yager
President, University of the Arts
Visionary Supporters
Advisory Circle
