Title: Executive Director
Workplace: The Grand Opera House
Alma Maters: Ithaca College, Fordham University, Penn State University
Boards: Grand Opera House, Easterseals, Delaware, Maryland Eastern Shore, Visiting Nurses Association Heart Vascular Council and Council of Advisors
What’s something interesting about you that isn’t on your resume? I was an assistant football coach for nine years at Fordham University.
Following the leadership transitions over the past two years, The Grand Opera House turned to longtime chairman and past banking executive Skip Pennella to lead the historic 152-year-old arts center. Now at the helm, Pennella is tasked with setting the stage for Wilmignton’s historic theater for continued success in landing compelling stage shows and concerts by handling the financial side of show business. Pennella had served as the Grand’s board of director chair between 2007 and 2018, and had left retirement to take on the top jod. Pennella also oversees the 1,252-seat Playhouse on Rodney Square and 305-seat The Baby Grand. Outside of the arts, he has also served for many years on several boards in Delaware, including Easterseals and Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.
