People’s Light Appoints Shonali Burke as Managing Director
Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) is pleased to announce that Shonali Burke has been appointed Managing Director by People’s Light (Zak Berkman, Producing Artistic Director) in Malvern, Pennsylvania, following our extensive national search led by Cynthia Fuhrman.
As shared in a release from the company, People’s Light proudly announces the appointment of Shonali Burke as its new Managing Director, effective June 1, 2025. Burke joins the company following an extensive national search, bringing with her an impressive track record of strategic leadership, innovative audience development and multi-faceted revenue growth within the nonprofit and regional theatre sectors.
“People’s Light is a remarkable institution with a deep commitment to storytelling that reflects the diversity, history and humanity of our world,” said Shonali Burke in the company’s statement. "I never could have imagined that my winding career would lead me here to Malvern, where my analyst’s mind for data and artist’s heart for storytelling come together perfectly to support this extraordinary team and organization that emanate light. I am honored to help shape what I know is an incredibly bright future for People’s Light, ensuring its continued growth and impact in an evolving arts and culture landscape.”
“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 Zak Berkman in the company’s statement. “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.”
“Getting to know the folks at People’s Light through this search has been such a treat,” said Cynthia Fuhrman, VP of Executive Search at TOCG. “It is a company with exciting plans and vision in this new era for the American Theatre, and from the time I met Shonali Burke, I was certain she could be the perfect partner in leadership to help them achieve their goals. I’m excited to watch Shonali and Zak and their board and team over the next few years, and cheer them on!”
About People’s Light
Founded in 1974, People’s Light is a cultural and civic center with theatre at its core. People’s Light produces a season of productions with stories drawn from ancient times through tomorrow that have direct relevance to its communities and concerns. In support of this range, they produce classics, contemporary plays and musicals, and commission and produce new work: of our 452 productions, over a third (171) have been world or regional premieres. The Company of Artists includes directors, designers, dramaturgs, teaching artists, stage managers, and actors.
About Tom O’Connor Consulting Group
Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) is a NYC-based consultancy that supports arts institutions and leaders with two integrated services: organizational strategy and executive search. Consulting specialties include marketing, strategy, assessment, and organizational development. Founded in 2015, TOCG is a fully remote company with team members spanning the country and the globe.
Select clients have included Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Carnegie Hall, Cincinnati Opera, Huntington Theatre Company, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Lincoln Center Theater, The Metropolitan Opera, Next Chapter Podcasts, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and more.
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