The Apollo Theater is bringing new faces to their leadership team. This week, the famous landmark theater announced Charles Phillips will be serving as chairman of the board for the Board of Directors. Phillips currently serves as the board’s vice chairman, and recently gifted one million dollars to the theater’s Emergency Fund to help keep its doors open amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From his work on the Board’s Executive Committee to his
generous $1 million gift to the theater at this critical time, Charles’ commitment to the Apollo has been immense. His support, coupled with additional donations from many donors, has enabled us to meet the Emergency Fund’s $4 million goal, allowing us to create dynamic, free events and education programs on the Apollo digital stage and ensuring that we continue to serve our community even though our physical doors remain closed,” said Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope in a press statement.“Dick’s contributions to the Apollo are immeasurable and his ongoing support invaluable. He anchored the turnaround of the Apollo Theater and set the institution on the path to success, and I am tremendously grateful to him for his leadership and dedication to the Apollo for over 20 years.”
Phillips will succeed Richard “Dick” Parson who served in the role since 2001, and will continue working with the executive committee as a senior advisor.
“The Apollo Theater has been the keeper of the culture and a vibrant platform for artistic innovation for over 86 years. I am honored to partner with my good friends and great leaders, Jonelle Procope and Dick Parsons and the board of trustees for the next stage of growth and discovery at the Apollo,” said Charles Phillips in the statement.
“The Apollo has been a force for the progress led by artists with values as rich as their talents. In times of social change, artists come home to the Apollo in the spirit of unity and purposeful expression. From Sarah Vaughan to Notorious B.I.G, President Obama, Jay-Z
, Metallica, Count Basie, Luther Vandross, James Brown, and Bruno Mars, the Apollo has been the theater for the influencers that define genres, personify cultures, and change minds.”