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
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. Learn more at
www.welcomeamerica.com and follow the conversation @WawaWelcomeAmerica.
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. Learn more at
www.welcomeamerica.com and follow the conversation @WawaWelcomeAmerica.
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