PHILADELPHIA (May 24, 2024) – The Mann Center for the Performing Arts announces the appointment of four distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: John Chin, Kevin Harden Jr., Cam Hicks and Rick Sutliff. The group brings a wealth of expertise in organizational development, advocacy and workforce training that will enrich the Mann’s continued growth as a premier nonprofit performing arts organization.

"Our new leaders’ diverse backgrounds and commitment to community will undeniably strengthen our efforts to serve our Philadelphia and Parkside neighbors with educational and workforce development programs in tangent with our world class lineup of classical, jazz, dance and popular music performances,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “I’m proud that we can cultivate a Board with members who have deep roots in our community and a strong commitment to justice and empowerment. I look forward to what we will accomplish with John, Kevin, Cam and Rick’s leadership.”

JOHN CHIN serves as the executive director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC), championing equitable development and neighborhood empowerment. 

Chin achieves this through four core programs: neighborhood planning and advocacy; support services to achieve housing and economic security and benefits access; economic development and small business assistance; and neighborhood beautification and mixed-income housing development. Crane Community Center, which opened its doors in fall 2019, is a landmark success under his leadership. It is the recreation and cultural hub of Chinatown. Chin serves on the board of numerous organizations, such as PHLDiversity, Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, and UWGPSNJ, with a focus on equitable investment. 

“My work at PCDC has taught me the importance of inclusive development and underscored the importance of community. I am excited to work with the Mann as it continues to serve as a cultural destination that fosters connections in performing arts-lovers of all ages and of all backgrounds across Philadelphia,” said Chin.

Chin joined PCDC in 2000 and graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems and business administration.

KEVIN HARDEN JR. is a trial lawyer at Ross Feller Casey, specializing in cases involving catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, civil rights and wrongful convictions. Since joining the firm, he has achieved more than $40 million in settlements and verdicts for individuals and their families following catastrophic injuries.

Harden is originally from West Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools before graduating from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Beasley School of Law. He has served in leadership positions within numerous professional associations and nonprofit organizations.

“As someone who grew up in West Philadelphia, I deeply understand the transformative power programs such as the Mann’s educational initiatives can have in our community. It is an honor to now contribute to the Mann's goal of accessibility and social impact in Parkside and across the region.” said Harden. 

Harden resides in Philadelphia.

CAM HICKS is an executive officer, corporate vice president and chief human resources officer for Teleflex, a global medical technology company. Hicks brings more than 23 years of experience in human resources and organizational development to the Board.

“I look forward to contributing to the Mann's growing enterprise of talent who continue to advance the organization’s mission and reputation as the cultural asset it is in Philadelphia," said Hicks.

Hicks was on the teaching faculty at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Canada and was recognized by his Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware peers as “CHRO of the Year” in 2018 and with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2021. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in honors business administration from the Ivey School of Business in Canada. Hicks lives in Wayne, Pa. 

RICK SUTLIFF, with more than 37 years at Henkels & McCoy, has deep experience in training and workforce development.  During his career, Sutliff’s training specialized in helping individuals that were unemployed with multiple barriers, focusing on non-traditional education while increasing literacy, providing citizenship skills and obtaining GEDs and high school diplomas for at-risk youth. Sutliff was formerly a member of the Mann’s Chairman’s Council and has now moved to the Board of Directors.

“Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to empowerment through education and workforce development programs. I look forward to expanding opportunities for youth and promoting lifelong learning through the arts,” said Sutliff.

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 400,000 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 Highmark Skyline Stage @ the Mann; 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. The Mann's unique setting also provides an unparalleled opportunity to activate the campus's six unique event spaces available to host concert presentations, intimate gatherings, corporate events, and private functions. For more information, visit MannCenter.org.  

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