Maud Lyon to Retire as President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

June 12, 2020 (PHILADELPHIA, PA) – The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA), today announced that Maud Lyon will retire as President and CEO, effective July 31.  She will begin transitioning her role and responsibilities to Priscilla M. Luce, a non-profit consultant, and President of The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation, who has been appointed by the GPCA Board of Directors as Interim President and CEO, beginning July 1.

“Maud has been a wonderful advocate for the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia, always championing the innovative and impactful work of our members,” said Catherine M. Cahill, President & CEO of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Chair of the GPCA Board of Directors.  “In five years with GPCA, Maud’s leadership has helped support audience development, capacity building and grant-making.  In recent months, as our entire sector grappled with the pandemic and its aftermath, her leadership of the COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL Fund has helped deliver nearly $4.4 million in relief aid to arts organizations and individual artists.  On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Maud for her service to GPCA, and we wish her the best as she returns to Michigan to enjoy well-deserved time with her family.” 

Said Lyon, “During time away in New Zealand in February, I reflected on the work I had accomplished with GPCA and I began to consider what adventures might be next. I had made the decision to step down during my travels, confident that this was the right time to return to Michigan and spend more time with my family, especially my two grandchildren. The urgent crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, caused me to delay sharing this decision until now.  I have spent the past several months working with our terrific staff, board, and membership to navigate this unprecedented situation. With the work of COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL nearing completion, I felt the time was right to move forward in announcing this decision to ensure a seamless transition. I am proud of all that we have achieved during my tenure as President and CEO and I wish the Alliance continued success.”

The GPCA Board of Directors has formed a search committee and will initiate a national search for a new President and CEO immediately. In assuming the interim CEO role, Luce, who is also a current member of the GPCA Board of Directors, will provide critical continuity for the organization during this transition.

Said Cahill, “The Alliance is fortunate to be able to call upon Priscilla Luce to serve as a loaned executive while we search for Maud’s successor. Priscilla, with the Board of Directors, will work closely with the GPCA staff to support their ongoing initiatives and sustain the Alliance’s important work, especially its administration of the COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL fund.”

For more information regarding GPCA, please visit www.philaculture.org.

About Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Established in 1972, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is the region’s leading arts and cultural advocacy, research and marketing organization. Our mission is to “lead, strengthen and amplify the voices of a cultural community that ignites creativity, inspires people and is essential for a healthy region.” Our membership includes more than 450 organizations ranging from museums and dance companies to community art centers, historic sites, music ensembles and zoos. For more information on the Cultural Alliance, please visit www.philaculture.org.