PHILADELPHIA (May. 15, 2023) – The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mikal C. Harden, Leo Helmers, Peter Madden and Kristyn Vandegrift to its Board of Directors. With more than seven decades of leadership experience in finance, advertising and education collectively, the Mann’s latest appointments will drive the premier nonprofit performing arts organization to continue developing high-quality experiences for its patrons and community.

“The Mann is pleased to welcome Mikal, Leo, Peter and Kristyn to the Board,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “This is an extremely well-rounded group, providing our Board with the expertise to successfully execute operational goals and continue to steward our relationship with the Philadelphia region as a provider of world-class entertainment and community engagement. I am looking forward to what we will be able to accomplish as a civic asset and arts and culture destination with Mikal, Leo, Peter and Kristyn’s leadership.” 

Mikal C. Harden has dedicated the last 15 years to building Juno Search Partners, the region's leading talent solutions firm. In 2020, Mikal and her business partner launched a sister company, Juno Capital, aimed at infusing the Philadelphia region with capital through investments in local start-ups. In 2022, Juno Search Partners was acquired by NFP, solidifying its position as a key player in the market.  

Harden served as Board Chair for Delaware Valley HRPOY, co-founded both the DisruptHR Philadelphia and Princeton chapters, and also held key positions on influential boards such as the Philly SHRM Board, Campus Philly Board and Philly Start-Up Leaders Board. Currently, Mikal continues to serve as a valuable member on the Board of Directors for PACT.

“As an advocate for investing in our local community, I am excited to bring my experience in entrepreneurship and capital raising to the Mann,” said Harden. “Together, we will continue to champion the excellence of the Mann and uplift the organization’s operations and programming.”  

Harden earned her bachelor’s in telecommunications from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and currently resides in Wyndmoor. 

Leo Helmers is the co-founder of Mereo Capital Partners, a private equity and special situations investment firm. Helmers has extensive experience in private equity, having served as co-founder of Susquehanna Private Capital, a private equity fund backed by Susquehanna International Group, the founder of LMZ Partners, a personal private equity entity focused on lower middle market buyouts, as well as the managing director, partner and fund head at The Caryle Group.

Helmers currently serves on multiple boards, including Swish Dental, LLC; Luna Labs, Inc.; Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC; and Algus Packaging, LLC. In addition, Helmers serves on the Board of Trustees of Lafayette College, the Board of Visitors of the Fox School of Business at Temple University, and the Board of Directors of ACG Philadelphia as president-elect.  

"I am thrilled to join this talented board at the Mann and lend my financial leadership to support the organization,” said Helmers. “Investing in our local arts organizations, our youth and our community are invaluable initiatives, and I am proud to work with the Mann and my peers on the Board to ensure a bright future for these stakeholders."  

Helmers earned his bachelor’s in engineering from Lafayette College and his master’s in business administration from Temple University. 

Peter Madden, founder, CEO and chief creative officer of local firm AgileCat, brings decades of branding, advertising and marketing experience to the Mann. Madden’s experience includes successfully executing disruptive, creative solutions for a wide range of organizations such as the Department of Defense, Five Below and the Academy of Natural Sciences. A two-time recipient of The Philadelphia Business Journal’s "Most Admired CEO" distinction, Madden serves as vice president of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, trustee of La Salle Academy, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Rittenhouse Square.

“As someone with a deep passion for creative pursuits, I am honored to work alongside the Board to propel the Mann’s mission to bring accessible arts and culture programming and education to the institution’s community in Philadelphia and its neighbors in Parkside,” said Madden.

Madden earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Loyola University and currently resides in Villanova. 

Kristyn Vandegrift, a former lawyer and education law editor, is dedicated to addressing educational injustice through community advocacy and nonprofit work. She has supported educational programming in the humanities and performing arts as a way to foster intellectual growth and is active in local politics and township governance. Kristyn's passion for supporting at-risk youth has brought her to organizations like the Philly Goat Project, Harlem Lacrosse and After-School All-Stars. She is currently serving as a minority inspector of elections and a member of her township’s open space committee.

“The Mann’s dedication to expanding its educational reach and programming is near and dear to my heart,” said Vandegrift. “With my experience in community advocacy and working with youth in the Philadelphia region, I look forward to collaborating with the Board to strengthen the Mann’s capabilities to connect with Philadelphia’s future leaders through the arts.”

Vandegrift studied economics and English at Bucknell University and earned her J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

To learn more about the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, visit www.manncenter.org.  

About the Mann

As one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, has a historical legacy of artistic excellence as a world-class entertainment destination presenting premier artists, now in association with Live Nation Entertainment. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars, and the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B, and pop take the stage here. The Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented critically acclaimed performers in every decade since the 1930s. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Mann hosts more than 200,000 visitors annually. Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath the Mann’s acoustically acclaimed TD Pavilion; picnics, blankets and music under the stars on its Great Lawn or at the top of the hill at the Skyline Stage; and dining in Crescendo, the venue’s spectacular tented restaurant.  In addition, the Mann’s Education & Community Engagement Program reaches tens of thousands of young people annually through free programming and educational initiatives as well as its virtual Mann Music Room.  For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.

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