(State College, PA, July 5th, 2021)—The State Theatre Board of Directors is pleased to announce Denise Sullivan as its new Development Director. Denise has more than 19 years of professional experience in the corporate, non-profit, sports and entertainment, and arts and culture industries, including time spent at the Philadelphia Flyers Charities, Philadelphia 76ers, the Franklin Institute and Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Mike Negra, who was instrumental in establishing the State Theatre as a non-profit organization in 2006, says, “I’m thrilled to have Denise lead the Development team at the State Theatre. She is a native to the area and thus, is aware of the impact the State Theatre has on local businesses, other non-profits, and the community. Her experience with the Arts and non-profits will help the State Theatre move forward as it works to provide the necessary financial foundation required to maintain the services the State Theatre provides to Centre County and beyond.”
Sullivan is the Founder and CEO of Sullivan Point Strategies, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations develop impactful fundraising and donor strategy, community partnerships, and inspiring events that create meaningful change and mission fulfillment.
A 2001 graduate of Penn State with a degree in Communications and Media Studies, Sullivan continued her education through certificate programs at Temple University and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, focusing on both executive event leadership and fundraising principles, respectively.
Sullivan will play an integral role in advancing the mission of The State Theatre by developing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities. State Theatre Board Member Chris Heinz led the hiring team and search effort to fill the Development Director role. “Having the right person in the right role creates the best opportunity for the right results. After an extensive search, we’re thrilled to have found Denise. She loves the State College community, has a passion for the arts, and has rich experience in non-profit development,” says Heinz.
“I am excited to join the team at The State Theatre and work collaboratively to continue the legacy of the Theatre as the cultural cornerstone of the community,” said Sullivan. “I look forward to working with existing donors as well as cultivating new philanthropic and community support in advancing the mission of the Theatre, and inspiring a passion for the arts, culture and cinema in downtown State College and beyond. ”
About The State Theatre
The State Theatre is a community-owned, non-profit performing arts center dedicated to serving the Centre County region. The State Theatre is the mainstay of the State College community and a proud hub of local culture, featuring artists both homegrown and nationally renowned.