MALVERN, PA.: People’s Light today announces the appointment of Shonali Burke as its new managing director, effective June 1. Burke joins the company following an extensive national search, bringing with her an impressive track record of strategic leadership, innovative audience development, and multi-faceted revenue growth within the nonprofit and regional theatre sectors. She succeeds interim managing director David Schmitz.
Burke’s appointment comes at a significant moment for People’s Light as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary season and looks ahead to future growth and innovation in its artistic and community-driven programming. She joins producing artistic director Zak Berkman as a key and co-equal leader of the organization, working to advance People’s Light’s artistic and community-focused initiatives, while also spearheading strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight.
“Throughout our 50 years, People’s Light has always looked boldly toward the future—one that embraces innovation, deepens relationships with diverse communities and ensures long-term sustainability,” said Berkman in a statement. “Shonali’s distinctive insight, holistic leadership, strategic acumen, and passion for storytelling make her the perfect person to help guide us into our next era.”
Burke’s appointment comes after a months-long search for People’s Light managing director. A search committee comprising trustees, staff, company artists and community leaders was formed to partner with Tom O’Connor Consulting Group to find the next executive leader staff.
“People’s Light is a remarkable institution with a deep commitment to storytelling that reflects the diversity, history, and humanity of our world,” said Burke in a statement. “I never could have imagined that my winding career would lead me here to Malvern, where my analyst’s mind for data and artist’s heart for storytelling come together perfectly to support this extraordinary team and organization that emanate light. I am honored to help shape what I know is an incredibly bright future for People’s Light, ensuring its continued growth and impact in an evolving arts and culture landscape.”
Prior to joining People’s Light, Burke served as chief marketing and strategy officer/vice president and interim president-designate at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage. Following the pandemic lockdown, she engineered the company’s earned revenue rebound to stability, stewarding multiple sold-out hits to significantly diversified audiences as she spearheaded the organization’s brand and growth strategy. Prior to that position, Burke ran a successful virtual integrated marketing consultancy dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations scale their impact, partnering with notable clients such as Oxfam America, the United Nations Foundation, and USA for UNHCR. She has also been on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Communication program since 2009.
Founded in 1974, People’s Light is celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished professional nonprofit theatres. As the theatre marks this milestone year, People’s Light continues to invite and create opportunities for diverse communities to discover and celebrate our shared humanity through the transformative power of live theatre. As of 2023, the theatre’s budget stood at approximately $7.1 million.
