Lead Sponsor
SIMPLY OUTSTANDING
Outstanding performances are true works of art - fueled by a passion that lets our minds wander and lifts our spirits. Since 1984, the dedication and commitment of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has transformed Pittsburgh and made it a cultural showplace that brings people together, allows us to embrace the beauty of the arts and makes our community a much better place to live.
Congratulations on 40 years of evolving the local Pittsburgh area and providing another outstanding performance for us all!
FNB is the proud Lead Sponsor of The Big 40 Gala and Icon Awards.
Welcome to the BIG 40 Gala
Dear Friends of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Board Chair David Holmberg, I am delighted to welcome you to the Big 40 Gala, our largest annual fundraising event.
Over the past 40 years, our journey has been one of continual evolution, driven by our mission to transform Pittsburgh through the arts. As the city has grown, so have we—particularly as we strive to reach new and diverse communities.
This progress is rooted in our partnerships with resident arts companies, arts organizations, and individuals who laid the foundation for a strong and vibrant arts scene.
That is why we are especially proud to present our inaugural Icon Awards to Carol Brown for her visionary leadership, Thaddeus Mosley for his artistic excellence, and Teresa Heinz for her profound community impact.
I also want to offer my heartfelt thanks to our Lead Sponsor, First National Bank, including Vince Delie and their entire team, along with our Supporting Sponsors: Duquesne Light Co., The Heinz Endowments, Highmark, UPMC, and UPMC Health Plan; the Producing and Directing Sponsors listed in this program; and the Gala Host Committee for making this event a success. And, of course, to our Trustees, advisory boards and committees, and all our donors and sponsors who support us year-round with their commitment and generosity.
Finally, thank you all for being here tonight. You’ve made our first 40 years possible, and we’re thrilled to share this milestone with you.
Enjoy a memorable night!
Kendra Whitlock Ingram President & CEO Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
5:30 PM
Arrivals, registration, and cocktails
Performance: Paul Thompson Quartet
Greer Cabaret Theater
6:45 PM
Seated dinner
Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
8:30 PM
Joan Clark Davis Hall
Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
9:30 PM
Dancing and Nightcap
Performance: Protégé
Greer Cabaret Theater
Opening Performance
Anton Smith, Vocalist
Welcome
Natalie Bencivenga, Emcee
Remarks
David L. Holmberg Chair of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Board of Trustees
Vincent J. Delie, Jr. Chairman, President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank
Kendra Whitlock Ingram President & CEO, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Icon Award Presentation
Carol Brown
Special Performance
Musicians of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Lullaby Project
Icon Award Presentation
Thaddeus Mosley
Icon Award Presentation
Teresa Heinz
Special Performance
Hill Dance Academy
Closing Remarks
Natalie Bencivenga, Emcee
Icon Awardee Biographies
Carol Brown Award for Outstanding Leadership
Carol Brown was appointed to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Board in 1984 and served as its first president from 1985 to 2001, spearheading the transformation of downtown Pittsburgh and the surrounding region through cultural and economic revitalization.
Under her leadership, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust undertook several landmark projects that have had a lasting impact on the city. Notable achievements include the development of the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, the restoration of the Byham Theater, the establishment of Wood Street Galleries, and the creation of the O’Reilly Theater, the Harris Theater, and the Theater Square complex, which includes a parking garage, cabaret theater, and a Cultural District box office. Additionally, she led efforts to enhance the area with streetscaping and by developing Katz Plaza and the Allegheny Riverfront Park.
During this period, she also supported the development of the CAPA School and the August Wilson Center as well as the development of the 8th Street Block.
During her tenure, Brown commissioned internationally renowned artists to create major public artworks in Katz Plaza and the 7th and Penn Parklet. In partnership with the Heinz Endowments and Pittsburgh Foundation, she also helped launch the Creative Achievement Awards program in 1991, now called the Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Award, which recognizes and celebrates regional artists’ contributions to the arts.
Icon Awardee Biographies
Thaddeus Mosley
Award for Outstanding Artistic Contributions
Thaddeus Mosley, an acclaimed sculptor celebrated both locally and internationally, uses reclaimed wood to create sculptures that reflect a profound connection to the natural world with influences ranging from African tribal art to modernist jazz traditions.
Mosley’s artistic journey began after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English and Journalism and a brief career as a sports reporter. A self-taught sculptor, Mosley started wood carving in the mid-1950s while working a full time job with the Postal Service.
Over the years, Mosley has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art and is represented by KARMA, New York.
Mosley’s works can be found in permanent public collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Guggenheim Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, among others.
Icon Awardee Biographies
Teresa Heinz
Award for Outstanding Community Impact
As Chairman of the Heinz Family Foundation and Chair Emeritus of The Heinz Endowments, Teresa Heinz has played a pivotal role in funding arts initiatives and organizations that promote diversity, innovation, and community engagement.
Under her leadership, the Heinz Endowments have provided critical funding to numerous arts organizations, from major institutions like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and a diverse swath of community-based arts groups.
The Endowments has supported a wide range of notable arts-related initiatives, including the Creative Development Awards, Pittsburgh’s Cultural Treasures, and — in partnership with The Pittsburgh Foundation — the Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Awards, and the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh program, which supports and elevates the work of Black artists and Black-led arts organizations in the region.
Host Committee
Barbara and Alan Ackerman
Mary Louise and Chip Babst
Alison and Andrew Beam
Vivian and Bill Benter
Steffie Bozic
Jill and Chuck Brodbeck
Ellen Still Brooks
Carol R. Brown
Yvonne Campos
Debra Caplan and David Levenson, MD.
Helen Hanna Casey and Stephen Casey
Donna and Vincent Delie, Jr.
Claire DeMarco
Lynn and Chip Desmone
Anna Kazmierczak and Chuck Dotchin
Malesia Dunn
Carolyn Duronio
Mary Jo and Jack Elliott
Karen and Steven Feinstein
Kim and Curt Fleming, BAIRD
Gretchen and Bill Generett
Lisa Haley
Diane and Gerald Holder
Kim and David Holmberg
Kendra Whitlock Ingram and Ben Ingram
Lynne and Blair Jacobson
Phyllis Kokkila and Bill Davies
Catherine Loevner
Margery Loevner
Marcia Martin
Sally and Will McCrady
Pam and Ken McCrory
Peggy and Steve McKnight
Kristen and Kevin McMahon
Amy and Mark Mendicino
Marcy Metelsky
Shelly and Dan Onorato
Jennifer Owen and Cory Cope
Richard Parsakian
Joan and Bob Peirce
Lisa and Herky Pollock
Dorothy Pollon
Gabriela and David Porges
Shereen and Paul Rosenberg
Caryn Rubinoff and Craig Dunham
Lisa Schroeder
Fern and Steve Schwartz
Carole and Mark Shepard
Jimmi Sue and Matt Smith
Felicia E. Snead, MD
Alice Snyder
Ada Davis and Joseph Spirer
Lauren and S. Adam Sufrin
Bonnie and Tom VanKirk
Kevin E. Walker
Nancy D. Washington
Barbara and Bruce Wiegand
Doris Carson Williams
Travis Williams
Elizabeth and Dan Wilson
Anne and Sam Zacharias
Accurate as of August 28, 2024. Please forgive any omissions.
Lead Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Producing Sponsors
Vivian and Bill Benter | Stephanie Bozic | Carol R. Brown
Helen Hanna Casey and Stephen Casey, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
J.P. Morgan Chase | The Pittsburgh Foundation | PNC
Lisa and Herky Pollock | Gabriela and David Porges
PPG | Schneider Downs
Directing Sponsors
Babst Calland | Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation | Carnegie Mellon University
Duquesne University | Ernst & Young | Eat’n Park Hospitality Group
Kim and Curt Fleming, BAIRD | Koppers | Pittsburgh Pirates
Felicia E. Snead, MD | TriState Capital Bank | U.S. Steel | VVA LLC
Additional Support
Federated Hermes | Medici Importers Global
Board of Trustees
David L. Holmberg* CHAIR
Carolyn D. Duronio* VICE CHAIR/TREASURER
Kendra Whitlock Ingram* PRESIDENT & CEO
Nicholas J. Gigante SECRETARY
Chester R. Babst III*
Angela Blanton***
Jill M. Brodbeck*
Anthony Bucci***
Esther L. Bush**
Carolyn M. Byham
Helen Hanna Casey*
Ronald R. Davenport, Jr.
George A. Davidson, Jr.
Chris DeCardy*
William S. Demchak
Jack W. Elliott*
Karen S. Flam***
Ed Gainey***
William O. Generett, Jr.
Murry S. Gerber
Sarika Goulatia
George C. Greer**
Steven J. Guy*
Lisa Haley
Richard J. Harshman*
Jean Anne Hattler***
Sara Innamorato***
Farnam Jahanian
Dan Lavelle***
Tracey McCants Lewis***
Sally McCrady*
Kenneth C. McCrory
Alex Overstrom***
David L. Porges*
Charles J. Queenan, Jr.**
Sam Reiman*
James. E. Rohr **
Caryn B. Rubinoff
Cynthia D. Shapira
Jimmi Sue Smith
Ayana Teter***
Hilary S. Tyson
Ryan Vaccaro
Thomas L. VanKirk*
Sunil Wadhwani
Hal K. Waldman
Nancy D. Washington*
Michael Watson**
Christy C. Wiegand
Travis E. Williams*
Daniel S. Wilson
*Executive Committee Member
**Lifetime Trustee
*** Ex-Officio
PRESIDENT
Kendra Whitlock Ingram President and CEO
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Rona Nesbit Executive Vice President
Sarah Aziz Director of DEAI Initiatives
Hayley Haldeman Chief Administrative Officer
Dana Love Receptionist
Carroll de Vera Roberts Manager of Board Engagement and Executive Special Projects
Cheryl Schnippert Executive Assistant to the President
ARTS EDUCATION
Tracy Edmunds Vice President of Arts Education
Tyler Anderson Program Coordinator
Julissa Bermea . Manager of Early Childhood Programs
Elizabeth Foster-Shaner Director of Arts Education
Kalee George Manager of Arts Education Programs
Shakirah Stephens Manager of Arts Education and DMIS Programs
DEVELOPMENT
Nicholas Gigante Chief Development Officer
Grace Alverson Assistant Manager of Institutional Giving
Ryan Bromley Manager of Corporate Giving
Kaylin Cranmer Senior Manager, Development Systems
Elizabeth DiLeonardi Donor Concierge Specialist
Myra Falisz Senior Development Strategist
Linda Fletcher Manager of Foundation and Government Giving
James Hill Director of Government Affairs and District Initiatives
Heather Masterson Senior Director of Development and Individual Giving
Ariel Mookherji Assistant Manager of Donor Relations
Hector Navarrete Assistant Manager, Development Systems
Endicott Reindl Major Gifts Officer
Rebecca Rickard Assistant Director of Institutional Giving
Caitlin Skaff Manager of Individual Giving
Jessica Walz Assistant Director, Special Events and Engagement
FINANCE
Linda Jakubec.......................... Vice President of Finance
Timothy Baum Risk and Finance Manager
Benjamin Boggio Facilities, Operations and Real Estate Manager
Lisa Fisher Director of Finance
Casey Gnage Senior Manager, Finance - Facilities and Programming
Taleesha Johnson Senior Accountant
Amy McDonald Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist GUEST SERVICES
Albert Rodibaugh Vice President of Guest Services and Patron Experience
Vanessa Braun Director of Accessibility
Joi Brook Senior Manager of Sales
Archie Diaz Ticketing Operations Manager
Pamela Howell Group Sales Manager
Rhonda Jones Ticketing Operations Manager
Maria McIntyre Full Time Ticketseller
Julie Neal Director of Guest Services Operations
Brenna Painter Full Time Ticketseller
Aimee Plotz Event Operations and Data Analysis Manager
Eva Resnick-Day Full Time Ticketseller
Dennis Sen Ticketing Services Manager
Karoline Smith Accessibility Manager
Timothy Smith Lead Ticketseller
Eric Thomas Director of Guest Experience
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maureen Shannon Vice President of Human Resources and Legal Affairs
Kayla Coley Human Resources Manager
MaryAnne Culleiton Senior Manager, Finance - Payroll and Benefits INFORMATION STRATEGY & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Daniel Hoffer Chief Information Officer
T.C. Brown Tessitura Quality Assurance and Data Support Administrator
Benjamin Chen Help Desk Analyst
Patrick FitzGerald Director of eCommerce Operations
Danielle Greaves Lead Web Developer
Rebecca Harriman Director of Projects and Enterprise Applications
Devin Loney Network Administrator
Jay Mash Network Administrator
Cora Ormsby Help Desk Analyst
Nancy Sheleheda Senior Director of Application Development and System Integrations
Justin Snair Director of Network and Cloud Infrastructure
Dale Snyder Help Desk Manager
Katie Springer Director of Technology and Support Services
Michael Tiernan Director of Network Operations and Security Technologies
Kevin Vetterly Lead Help Desk Analyst
Katina White ................ Tessitura Support Administrator
Christine Wingenfeld Partnership Manager and Data Analyst
MARKETING
& COMMUNICATIONS
Marc Fleming Chief Marketing Officer
David Alcorn Director of Digital Marketing and Engagement
Daniel Alexander Creative Director
Morgan Barba Senior Designer
Gigi Bower Digital Production Manager
Kaitlyn Ciancio Marketing Coordinator
Mitsuko Clarke-Verdery .................. Marketing Manager
Jamie Cuba Show Marketing Director
Jonathan Daybear Senior Designer
Shelby Fink Marketing Engagement Manager
Ashley Kier Marketing Manager
Krist Muñoz-Malavé Social Media and Content Manager
Brian Nichols Senior Designer
Diana Roth Senior Communications Manager
Derek Scalzott Senior Director, Communications and Marketing Management
Andrea Sharfman Institutional Marketing and Communications Manager
OPERATIONS – INFRASTRUCTURE
Eugene Ciavarra Vice President of Venue Infrastructure
Dennis Curry Chief Engineer
Jeff O'Laughlin Chief Engineer
Ben Bacho
Dustin Curry
Todd Fedorek
Thomas Hatala
Rick Jordan
Christopher Kazar
Brett Melisko
Daniel O'Brien
OPERATIONS – VENUES
Joanna Obuzor Vice President of Venue Operations
Lyla Bartman Production Manager
Robert Bollman Stage Technician, House Sound Engineer
Bryan Briggs Production Manager
Greg Brooks Stage Technician, House Sound Engineer
Katelyn Colwell Director of Venue Operations
Chris Evans Stage Technician, House Sound Engineer
Dale Hess Production Manager
Diane Hines ..................................... Production Manager
Kamwana Hobbs Director of Production
Adolf Hundertmark Stage Technician, House Carpenter
Chelsea Kirch Stage Technician, House Electrician
Brett Lindblom Stage Technician, House Electrician
Sofia Marino Stage Technician, House Electrician
Joseph Morrison Venue Manager of the Harris Theater
John Mumper Senior Director of Venue Operations
Kevin Rabbits Operations Coordinator
Steven Schultz ........ Stage Technician, House Carpenter
Zoe Ruth Silberblatt Director of Venue Operations
Donald Squires Venue Manager of the Greer Cabaret
Christine Wagner Operations Manager
Nicole Zeak Operations Manager
PROGRAMMING
Brooke Horejsi Chief Programming and Engagement Officer
Bri Fallahee Programming Manager
Heather Irwin ............................. Programming Manager
Randal Miller Director of Programming
SECURITY & FRONT OF HOUSE OPERATIONS
Kevin Wilkes Vice President and Chief Security Officer
Shirley Epperson............................... Director of Security
Vinay Thomas Manager of Volunteer Services and Front of House Guest Experience
SHARED SERVICES
Hannah Feldhues Shared Services Associate
Linda Wagner Advertising Sales Manager
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Theresa Bell Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
Kristin Baker Program Manager
VISUAL ARTS & PUBLIC ART
Anastasia James Director of Galleries and Public Art
Davine Byon Curatorial Assistant and Department Coordinator
Kennedy Deen ................................................. Art Handler
George Dun Manager of Gallery Facilities and Public Art
Christopher Korch Art Handler
Joshua Rievel Art Handler
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer
Special Thanks
We extend our deep appreciation to our artists and production teams:
Anton Smith, Vocalist
Mark Spondike, Vocal Music Teacher at Pittsburgh CAPA
Jessica Kendeall, Vocal Arts Chairperson at Pittsburgh CAPA
Melissa Pearlman, Assistant Superintendent of PPS
Musicians of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Lullaby Project
Sean Baker | David Bowens | Joe Garner
Anyah Jackson | Michael Saunders
Lynn Speakman | Thomas Williams
Students of Hill Dance Academy Theater
Dr. Ayisha Morgan-Lee, Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director
Eric A. Smith | Michia Carmack | Bria Goldsmith
Dan Kendgia, Lighting Designer | Phill Madore, Stage Manager
We extend our appreciation to the following partners who have helped make tonight’s event a success:
All Occasions Party Rentals
big Burrito Catering | Broudy Printing
greenSinner | Landesberg Design
Lendable Linens | Pittsburgh Glass Center
Pittsburgh Trophy Company, Inc.
Trust-Franklin Press
A festive evening to support the work of an
important organization.
We are proud to support the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the celebration of 40 years of cultural and economic development through vibrancy, diversity, and prosperity.
“I came to Pittsburgh in 1959 and started looking for the cultural life of the city. It was very hard to find because there wasn’t much of it. But the city was starting to change, and I thought — I’ll stay here and be part of the change.”
– Carol Brown, from Pittsburgh Quarterly and Pittsburgh Magazine interviews.
Carol Brown, Teresa Heinz, and Thaddeus Mosley haven’t just been part of the change, they’ve been the changemakers! Congratulations from The Pittsburgh Foundation Board and staff.
Celebrating the brilliance of Pittsburgh.
It takes dedication, hard work, and a smart and steady approach to help a community thrive. That’s why PNC is proud to celebrate the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for all it does to help make our community brilliant.
Lisa Schroeder and Carol R. Brown. Image by Joshua Franzos.
When it comes to your business, we look at the big picture. And we never forget the importance of a personal relationship. Through our wide range of business advisory services, from accounting to wealth management, you can expect a great performance from Schneider Downs day after day. We are proud to be Western Pennsylvania’s largest locallyowned public accounting firm. To learn more, visit schneiderdowns.com
The Benedum Foundation is celebrating its 80th anniversary 1944-2024
A proud supporter of the arts organizations in the Cultural District for over 60 years.
Carnegie Mellon University proudly supports the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and joins them in celebrating 40 remarkable years of bringing arts and culture to Pittsburgh.
Congratulations to this year’s inaugural Icon Award recipients — Carnegie Mellon emeriti trustees Carol Brown and Teresa Heinz and artist Thaddeus Mosley — for their contributions to our regional arts community.
Cultural Trust Gala: 5” x 3.875”
Every year, PPG makes communities brighter through efforts like our COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program. This global initiative includes PPG volunteers and local nonprofit groups who revitalize neighborhoods and make people feel great about where they live.
See how we’re keeping the world beautiful at communities.ppg.com.
BRAVO!
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s inaugural Icon Awards pay fitting tribute to Heinz Endowments Chair Emeritus Teresa Heinz, the Trust’s first president and retired Endowments board member Carol Brown, and renowned sculptor Thaddeus Mosley. Each one embodies the ideal of an individual highly esteemed for their influence or significance in a particular arena. The Trust’s 40th anniversary gala also provides a special opportunity to celebrate these three well-deserving icons. We applaud and express our deep appreciation to them and the Trust for all they have done.
We are proud to support and celebrate the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 40th anniversary of cultivating downtown and congratulate the honorees of the inaugural ICON awards.