ADVERTISEMENTs
People’s Light names Indian-origin Shonali Burke as MD
With almost three decades of experience, Burke will be overseeing strategic planning, financial management, and operational management of the organization.
Shonali Burke / LinkedIn
Shonali Burke has been appointed managing director of People’s Light, a professional non-profit theatre company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Burke will assume her new role on Jun.1.
In her new role, Burke, an Indian-origin leader, will serve as a key and co-equal partner to producing artistic director Zak Berkman, jointly leading the organization. She will be responsible for advancing People’s Light’s artistic and community-centered initiatives, while also overseeing strategic planning, financial management, and operational management.
In a social media post, Burke shared her enthusiasm about joining People’s Light: “People’s Light is exactly the next right move for me. I can’t wait to join Zak Berkman in co-leading this remarkable company that produces such incredible art—all of whom are fun, feisty, kind, and OH so smart and talented—to greater and greater heights.”
Burke joins People’s Light following a comprehensive national search and succeeds interim Managing Director David Schmitz. She brings a distinguished record of leadership in the nonprofit and regional theatre sectors.
“Throughout our 50 years, People’s Light has always looked boldly toward the future — one that embraces innovation, deepens relationships with diverse communities, and ensures long-term sustainability,” said Berkman.
He further added, “Shonali’s distinctive insight, holistic leadership, strategic acumen, and passion for storytelling make her the perfect person to help guide us into our next era. I am eager to partner with Shonali as People’s Light continues to cement its position as a thriving live arts hub for generations to come.”
Before this appointment, Burke served as chief marketing and strategy officer and interim president-designate at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., where she played a central role in the organization’s post-pandemic financial recovery and audience growth. She previously led a virtual integrated marketing consultancy, partnering with organizations such as Oxfam America, the United Nations Foundation, and the USA for UNHCR. She has also served on the faculty of the MA in Communication program at Johns Hopkins University since 2009.
Burke holds a master’s degree equivalent in Theater from the National School of Drama, India.
“People’s Light is a remarkable institution with a deep commitment to storytelling that reflects the diversity, history, and humanity of our world,” said Burke.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login