“It is a daunting task: raising hundreds of millions of dollars to renovate Avery Fisher Hall while simultaneously doubling the New York Philharmonic’s endowment fund. Now that task will be assigned to Lisa Mantone, who has been appointed to the new position of the orchestra’s senior vice president of institutional advancement,” writes Michael Cooper in Monday’s (1/5) New York Times. The orchestra “hopes to begin renovating its hall as soon as 2019 and … wants to effectively double its endowment, which was valued at $200 million in its most recent annual report…. Mantone, who was previously the director of development at the Museum of Modern Art and a vice president at WNET New York Public Media, will oversee the Philharmonic’s development department, as well as … public relations, publications and archives. The orchestra’s vice president of development, Melanie Forman, has decided to resign, the orchestra said…. Mantone … previously worked as the orchestra’s annual fund director. ‘She brings invaluable experience in high-level philanthropy and major gifts, with a proven track record in advancing major institutions during pivotal times,’ [Philharmonic President Matthew Van Besien] said.… The Philharmonic also announced that Bill Thomas, a senior vice president, will assume the title of chief operating officer.”
Posted January 6, 2015
