Lisa Mantone Named Vice President of Institutional Advancement of NY Philharmonic

New York Philharmonic President Matthew VanBesien, Chairman Gary W. Parr, and Chairman Designate Oscar S. Schafer today announced the appointment of Lisa Mantone as the Orchestra's Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, a new position. In addition, Bill Thomas - formerly Senior Vice President - has been promoted to the expanded role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Lisa Mantone will oversee the Philharmonic's Development department, including leadership of the Philharmonic's upcoming endowment and capital campaigns, as well as oversee Public Relations, Publications, and the New York Philharmonic Archives and Leon Levy Digital Archives. Most recently Ms. Mantone was Vice President of Development and Communications for WNET New York Public Media. Previously, she was the Director of Development at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where she oversaw a comprehensive fundraising program and was a member of the team responsible for MoMA's most recent capital campaign effort, which raised more than $900 million for the museum's building project and endowment. She has also held positions as Senior Development Officer at Columbia University and Annual Fund Director for the New York Philharmonic. She has taught fundraising courses at Seton Hall University and Columbia University and has served on numerous fundraising panel discussions. Ms. Mantone holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Communications from William Paterson University.

"We are very fortunate to welcome Lisa back to the New York Philharmonic," said Matthew VanBesien. "She brings invaluable experience in high-level philanthropy and major gifts, with a proven track record in advancing major institutions during pivotal times. Lisa also has a great love for the New York Philharmonic, having worked here for five years, and we look forward to her leadership during this important moment in the Orchestra's history."

"I'm very excited to work with Lisa as we create new strategies to secure the support we need to help the New York Philharmonic flourish well into the future, and to raise the funds needed for the planned renovation of Avery Fisher Hall," said Oscar S. Schafer. "I look forward to her enthusiasm and to building on her wealth of experience to achieve the greatest results."

Matthew VanBesien also announced the promotion of Bill Thomas to an expanded role as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Added to his previous areas of oversight, ranging from Finance to Digital Media, Mr. Thomas will now oversee Marketing, which remains under the direction of David Snead, whose title has expanded to Vice President of Marketing, Brand, and Customer Experience; Operations, which remains under the direction of Miki Takebe, whose title has expanded to Vice President, Operations and Touring; and Orchestra Personnel, which remains under the direction of Orchestra Personnel Manager Carl Schiebler.

"Bill Thomas is a very strong leader within our organization, and has consistently proven his ability to help the New York Philharmonic successfully navigate both challenges and opportunities over the years," said Mr. VanBesien. "As we engage further in our strategic planning, now is the ideal time to expand Bill's role to include Marketing, Operations, and Touring. I know his insight, experience, and expertise will help contribute to a strong future for the Philharmonic."

Mr. Thomas's previous positions include Assistant Manager, Finance, at The Metropolitan Opera after serving the Philharmonic as Chief Financial Officer (beginning in 1999), Chief Administrative Officer (beginning in 2000), and General Manager (2004-06).

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