The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has tapped a Duquesne University graduate as its first new chief executive in two decades, putting new leadership in place at the nonprofit arts organization focused on the cultural and economic revitalization of Downtown’s Cultural District.
Kendra Whitlock Ingram, now president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, will take over the role held by Kevin McMahon, who is retiring in January.
Ms. Ingram, who will be the first person of color to lead the 38-year-old Cultural Trust, brings extensive experience at cultural organizations to the role.
Before joining the Marcus Performing Arts Center, she worked as executive director of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver, and was vice president of programming and education at the Omaha Performing Arts Center. Her resume also includes work with the Shenandoah Conservatory, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Tulsa Philharmonic.
Her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University came in music education, while she has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha .
“Kendra’s boundless enthusiasm and breadth of experience managing a broad range of art forms have made her the number one choice to lead the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at this important time in its history,” stated Pittsburgh Cultural Trust board chair Richard Harshman.
“There are so many exciting Trust projects launching now and on the horizon for which she is uniquely suited. We look forward to welcoming Kendra back to Pittsburgh to help lead the Cultural District as the Trust continues to revitalize Downtown and bring audiences back in large numbers to our theaters, galleries, public art installations, and festivals.”
Ms. Ingram cited the Cultural Trust’s reputation for using the arts as a community building and economic catalyst as part of the appeal of the job. “The Trust is a dynamic and truly impactful organization with a proven track record of accomplishment and leadership. I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to start a new chapter and build on the incredible story of Pittsburgh’s Downtown and vibrant Cultural District.”
In announcing her departure, the Milwaukee arts organization cited Ms. Ingram’s contributions during her tenure there.
“Kendra’s leadership and strong vision guided our organization through one of its most challenging times as our venue went more than a year without live performances during the pandemic,” said Ray Wilson, Marcus Performing Arts Center board chair. “We’re thankful for her dedication to facing challenges head on and strengthening the organization with her commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.”
The organization said she’d built a strong leadership team, developed its first cultural ambassador program to make the performing arts more accessible to underserved youth, families and communities of color, expanded the lineup of arts with several new series including dance, jazz and more, as well as reimagining the organization’s campus plan during the pandemic to make needed renovations.
The Scranton native and her husband, Ben, a surgical oncology physician assistant, will be relocating to Pittsburgh.
First Published: November 2, 2022, 1:53 p.m.
