Welcome America, Inc. Names Michael DelBene President & Chief Executive Officer
Experienced Business Leader and Non-Profit Executive Chosen to Helm Key Organization Staging Citywide Events for Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (January 23, 2019)—The Board of Directors of Welcome America, Inc. today announces Michael DelBene as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6, 2019. DelBene will lead the non-profit organization in its 27th year of promoting American history and education in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia, enhancing both the resident and visitor experience through year-round, economy-boosting events. He succeeds Jeff Guaracino, who was recently named President and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA and remains on the Board of Welcome America, Inc.
DelBene will be responsible for managing the operations of major citywide initiatives that increase awareness of Philadelphia, and staging free events for the public benefit including the annual multi-day Wawa Welcome America Festival, the nation’s premier July 4th celebration, and the Philly Holiday Festival. He will also be responsible for sponsor and partner management and acquisition for the organization, with a focus on continuing to grow the organization’s $3 million operating budget.
DelBene stands out as an accomplished, respected leader in strategic management and corporate philanthropy, with experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. He brings with him a proven track record of working with major corporate and community partners to deliver marquis events in the City. Additionally, DelBene has fostered longstanding relationships with government officials and administrations at the federal, state and municipal levels, with an emphasis on the local Philadelphia community.
“Welcome America continues to enhance Philadelphia’s visibility on a national scale,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, chairman of the Board of Welcome America, Inc,. “Michael’s strong reputation, relationships, and passion will only continue the positive growth of the organization and the benefits it brings to Philadelphia and our region.”
In his most recent role as Vice President of Business Development for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, DelBene was responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase contributed and earned revenue for the venerable non-profit music center. He managed all corporate relationships, including corporate philanthropy and sponsorships, corporate client entertainment and hospitality, and the Mann’s enhanced brand portfolio. DelBene also oversaw the Mann’s government relations with the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Previously, DelBene served as the head of major gifts at the National Constitution Center, where he was responsible for the management and expansion of the Center’s major gift donor portfolio, and oversaw strategic projects relative to fundraising. Prior to the National Constitution Center, DelBene served as Vice President of Community Affairs at Wachovia Bank, where he managed corporate philanthropy activity across Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“With his experience, Michael is perfectly positioned to take the helm of Welcome America and lead memorable events for the city,” said Guaracino. “Beyond Welcome America’s signature celebrations, he is uniquely qualified to lead Philadelphia’s July 4th festival, an especially important role as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the nation. I’m proud to pass the torch to Michael, and look forward to collaborating with him in the future.”
About Welcome America, Inc. Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America, Inc.’s mission is to promote American history, education and Philadelphia. The organization seeks to enhance the resident and visitor experience through citywide events that provide an economic boost to the local economy and build our community.
DelBene will be responsible for managing the operations of major citywide initiatives that increase awareness of Philadelphia, and staging free events for the public benefit including the annual multi-day Wawa Welcome America Festival, the nation’s premier July 4th celebration, and the Philly Holiday Festival. He will also be responsible for sponsor and partner management and acquisition for the organization, with a focus on continuing to grow the organization’s $3 million operating budget.
DelBene stands out as an accomplished, respected leader in strategic management and corporate philanthropy, with experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. He brings with him a proven track record of working with major corporate and community partners to deliver marquis events in the City. Additionally, DelBene has fostered longstanding relationships with government officials and administrations at the federal, state and municipal levels, with an emphasis on the local Philadelphia community.
“Welcome America continues to enhance Philadelphia’s visibility on a national scale,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, chairman of the Board of Welcome America, Inc,. “Michael’s strong reputation, relationships, and passion will only continue the positive growth of the organization and the benefits it brings to Philadelphia and our region.”
In his most recent role as Vice President of Business Development for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, DelBene was responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase contributed and earned revenue for the venerable non-profit music center. He managed all corporate relationships, including corporate philanthropy and sponsorships, corporate client entertainment and hospitality, and the Mann’s enhanced brand portfolio. DelBene also oversaw the Mann’s government relations with the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Previously, DelBene served as the head of major gifts at the National Constitution Center, where he was responsible for the management and expansion of the Center’s major gift donor portfolio, and oversaw strategic projects relative to fundraising. Prior to the National Constitution Center, DelBene served as Vice President of Community Affairs at Wachovia Bank, where he managed corporate philanthropy activity across Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“With his experience, Michael is perfectly positioned to take the helm of Welcome America and lead memorable events for the city,” said Guaracino. “Beyond Welcome America’s signature celebrations, he is uniquely qualified to lead Philadelphia’s July 4th festival, an especially important role as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the nation. I’m proud to pass the torch to Michael, and look forward to collaborating with him in the future.”
About Welcome America, Inc. Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America, Inc.’s mission is to promote American history, education and Philadelphia. The organization seeks to enhance the resident and visitor experience through citywide events that provide an economic boost to the local economy and build our community.
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