As the Grantmaking Coordinator, Wren (they/them) supports the grantmaking activities the Cultural Alliance through applicant and grantee relations and overall administration of grantmaking programs, primarily the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts grant programs (Creative Sector Flex Fund and Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program) and the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR). Wren holds an Associate in Arts in English and an Academic Certificate in Creative Writing from the Community College of Philadelphia. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Wren is a writer and artist–they are passionate about queer art & literature, gardening, slow fashion, bees, and dessert.
Derek Holland works with the Creative Youth Development team to support planning and implementation of the Bloomberg Arts Internship, including recruitment, application review, interviews, curriculum development and placements. Derek helps manage the Bloomberg Arts Internship college mentors and coordinate activities on professional development days as Creative Youth Development Manager. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Derek was a Project Manager and Artist. Derek has a Master of Fine Arts degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and Master of Public Health degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Derek's pronouns are he/they and his hobbies include staying physically active, exploring new places and visiting art exhibits.
Stephanie works as the Director of Grantmaking ensuring that the various grant opportunities with the Cultural Alliance operate smoothly. Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy and the public sector, having served as a Program Officer, a Senior Learning & Evaluation Officer, and more recently as a consultant, where she worked with foundations, nonprofits and consulting firms to help them learn from their experiences, make strategic and informed decisions, and implement changes as a result. Stephanie has a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she refinishes vintage furniture and is restoring an old house in northwest Philadelphia.
Madeline works closely with Cultural Alliance members to provide direct outreach, support, and resources for a healthy, vibrant sector supporting over 400 organization in the five-county region. She works directly with member organizations and external partners to ensure they are receiving the support needed through the Cultural Alliance's advocacy initiatives and services provided. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University where she began her arts career as a radio disc jockey for local radio stations. She has also worked in post-production sound for radio, film, podcasting and television. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Madeline still DJs locally in the city! She also enjoys attending local events and festivals, embroidering, plant care, and traveling.
Sarah Christy is Executive Vice President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, working in partnership with the President & CEO to achieve the organization’s mission and key strategic goals. Sarah is responsible for the Cultural Alliance’s financial management while also overseeing major programs and day-to-day operations. Prior to joining the Cultural Alliance, she was Interim President & CEO of International House Philadelphia where she previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Programs, managing Lightbox Film Center. Sarah holds a MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University and a BA in Economics & Business from Lafayette College. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund’s Board of Directors, is a member of Lightbox Film Center’s Board, and is an Adjunct Professor in Drexel University’s Arts Administration & Museum Leadership graduate program. Sarah lives in West Philly with her family and dog Fosse and is an avid supporter of the performing arts and Philadelphia 76ers.
Chad Beegle studied music education at the University of the Arts and educational administration at Drexel University and is now the Director of Creative Youth Development and Partner Engagement. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Chad was a music teacher/ administrator in numerous schools in the Philadelphia region and internationally. In addition to his role, Chad enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with family.
As Director of Research and Data, Kristen Vinh (she/her) manages survey design and data analysis for research about our members and the cultural community. Kristen has worked closely on the Cultural Alliance’s series of Agenda reports on arts and culture’s impact on community issues through 2019, including Pre-K, aging, and wellness. She also oversaw the Cultural Alliance’s research reports detailing the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philadelphia region’s arts and culture sector. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team in 2015, Kristen was a reporter for Generocity. Kristen holds a BA in Journalism from Temple University and is pursuing an MS in Data Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Kristen enjoys knitting, reading, and hanging out with her dog. You can find her knitting work on Instagram at @kristenvinh.
