Resolution 210997

..Title Commending Patricia Wilson Aden on her Appointment as President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. ..Body WHEREAS, The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance announced Patricia Wilson Aden has been appointed by the Board of Directors as its next president and CEO, where she will assume the role in January 2022; and WHEREAS, Patricia Wilson Aden is a highly esteemed transformational and cultural leader who demonstrates an unparalleled passion for the Arts and has long been a powerful voice and advocate for the Philadelphia arts and culture community. With over three decades of non-profit managerial experience, Aden exhibits skill and excellence in enthralling audiences, organizations, and stakeholders which ultimately makes her the optimal figurehead that will lead the Cultural Alliance to achieve great success and reach new levels; and WHEREAS, The seeds of Aden's experience with arts and culture, as well as nonprofit work, were first planted through her youth in Delaware, enhanced through her collegiate education at Spelman College and graduate education at Cornell University, but flourished in Philadelphia and beyond; and WHEREAS, Prior to her appointment as President and CEO of the Cultural Alliance, Aden served as President and CEO of The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN - an organization aimed at preserving blues heritage and expanding awareness of this uniquely American art form. Aden previously served as President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) for eight years, where she grew and diversified AAMP's revenue by establishing strategic partnerships, delivering nationally acclaimed programming, and creating deeper donor engagement. Before working with AAMP, she served as the Executive Director of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, President of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, and Director of the Mid-Atlantic regional office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and WHEREAS, Aden's substantial success can be attributed to her dedication, adaptability, and forward-thinking as she approaches all challenges with excitement and tenacity. At a time of critical reformation as the world encounters the effects of a global pandemic and ongoing demands for social justice, Aden's leadership will stand as a source of transformation, inspiration and unification of Philadelphia's arts and culture scene, and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact for years to come; and WHEREAS, Aden's appointment will enable the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to continue fulfilling its mission in leading, strengthening and amplifying the voices of a cultural community that ignites creativity, inspires people and is essential for a healthy region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby congratulates Patricia Wilson Aden for being named President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. ..End