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
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.
Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson
Programs Manager, Creative Community Leadership Development
(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.
Advisory Board
CHAIR
Marc Helberg
Managing Vice President, Pariveda Solutions
Andrea Allon
Chief Operating Officer, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
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
Lisa Nelson Haynes
Executive Director, Philadelphia Young Playwrights
Alan Jacobson
President, J2 Design + Exit Design
Alicia Karr
Executive Vice President + CFO, Meyer Design
Charles D. Kochka
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Meridian Bank
Bon Ku
Thomas Jefferson University
Hugh McStravick
Vice President, Assistant Director, PNC Bank
Thomas Padon
Director, Brandywine River Art Museum
Leslie Patterson-Tyler
Director of Media Relations & Communications, Kimmel Center
Jennifer Pittenger
Associate, HOK
Jennifer Pouchot
Vanguard
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
Jason Schupbach
Dean, Westphal College, Drexel University
Joseph A. Tammaro, Jr.
Sector President, Metro PA-NJ Middle Market & Public Finance Lending, TD Bank
Caryn Taylor-Lucia
Vice President, Events & Experience, SEI
Will Toms
Co-Founder, REC Philly
David Yager
President, University of the Arts
Visionary Supporters
Advisory Circle
