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.
We invite you to read our brochure explaining our programs or to get in touch with comments, questions or ideas for partnering.
Mission
To accelerate the effectiveness and impact of organizations, businesses, and individuals who make up Philadelphia’s creative economy.
Vision
An informed, inspired, and networked creative economy is a more inclusive, productive, and impactful one. We believe we can play a role in making Philadelphia the best city to run a nonprofit, build an art practice, or grow a creative business through our capacity-building services and learning opportunities.
Meet the Team
Diana is a writer, frequent public speaker, and champion of the creative economy, specializing in urban policy and non-profit management. Diana leads the Arts + Business Council’s strategy and programs in addition to managing the Advisory Board.
Tommy Butler
Director, Programs + Operations
(215) 790-3827
[email protected]
As a Philadelphia-based director and play-maker, Tommy fully understands the challenges artists must overcome on a daily basis to create their work and he has dedicated his life to making it as easy as possible for art-makers to do what they do best.
Ryan Morris, Esq.
Director, Volunteer Services
(215) 790-3822
[email protected]
Ryan brings a dutiful dedication to helping artists solve their legal problems. A legal luminary who loves art, he believes the payoff to securing a thriving creative economy is the beauty, culture and community we see around us every day.
Olivia Rettstatt
Programs Assistant
(215) 790-3677
[email protected]
Olivia grew up in Connecticut where frequent visits to Boston and New York City museums sparked her passion for art. She majored in Art History at St. Lawrence University and holds a master of arts in Art History from American University in Washington, D.C.
Advisory Board
Alan Jacobson, Chair
President, J2 Design + Exit Design
Andrea Allon
Chief Operating Officer, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Jeffrey Buchakjian
Partner, EisnerAmper LLP
Jessica Calter
Director, Marketing and Communications, PIDC
Kelly Collareli
Director, Customer Strategy and Governance, PECO
Christine Cox
Founder, Artistic and Executive Director, BalletX
Donna Crilley Farrell
Vice President, Corporate Communications, Independence Blue Cross
Valerie Gay
Chief Experience Officer, Barnes Foundation
Jane Golden
Executive Director, City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Courtney Goldstein
Senior Vice President, eCommerce, Digital Media & Marketing, Comcast
Marc Helberg
Managing Vice President, Pariveda Solutions
Alicia Karr
Executive Vice President + CFO, Meyer Design
Hugh McStravick
Vice President, Assistant Director, PNC Bank
Ellen Owens
Merle-Smith Director of Learning Programs, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Thomas Padon
Director, Brandywine River Art Museum
Jennifer Pittenger
Associate, HOK
Jennifer Pouchot
Rakia Reynolds
President, Skai Blue Media
Melinda Rudolph
Member, Cozen O’Connor
Mark Samuels
Corporate Marketing and Communications, SEI
Andy Sofish
Office Lead, Principal, CapTech
Joseph A. Tammaro, Jr.
Sector President, Metro PA-NJ Middle Market & Public Finance Lending, TD Bank
Susan Teegan
Executive Director, ArtWell
Will Toms
Co-Founder, REC Philly
Ricardo Torres
Principal, Vereti Concepts
Jay Wahl
Artistic Director, Programming & Presentations, Kimmel Center, Inc.
David Yager
President, University of the Arts
AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
ABC is a member of the national Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts, which includes a network of Arts & Business Council members across the United States.
ABC is a proud member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.