Governor Tom Corbett Appoints Harris Ferris and Jane Gleason to The Pennsylvania Humanities Council Board of Directors

PHILADELPHIA, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett has appointed Harris Ferris (Pittsburgh) and Jane Gleason (Johnstown) to the Pennsylvania Humanities Council Board of Directors.

"Jane Gleason's extensive professional background will provide the Pennsylvania Humanities Council with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge," Corbett said. "Mr. Harris's dedication and expertise in the arts will benefit the Board of Directors greatly. I am very confident that Jane and Harris will serve the Pennsylvania Humanities Council with distinction."

Ferris, executive director of the Pittsburgh Ballet and Gleason, business process manager for Arthur Gallagher participated in their first PHC board of director's meeting in Pittsburgh on May 15, and have already shown a strong interest in PHC's operations, grants, programming, advocacy, and strategic direction.

"Our new board members are community leaders who bring a wealth of experience in arts and culture, education and business. Their expertise will help guide our programs, advocacy, fundraising, and strategic direction," said Laurie Zierer, PHC Executive Director.

In addition to the appointment of Ferris and Gleason, long-time PHC board member Jeanne Schmedlin was re-elected to a three year term.

"PHC board members are passionate about the humanities in Pennsylvania. They are committed to our mission to champion the humanities and empower Pennsylvanians to think critically, grow and engage with their communities," add Zierer.

PHC is governed by a 24-member board of directors comprised of private citizens, academic scholars and governor appointees. Currently there are 20 members serving on the board with diverse backgrounds in business, law, education, and arts and culture. Members are eligible to serve up to two successive three-year terms.

New Board Members:

Harris Ferris has been Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's executive director since 2006. Over the six years of his tenure, Ferris has helped to strengthen the company, and expand its national and international profile. A former dancer, Ferris career began in Buffalo, NY, where he was both principal dancer and executive director of the Empire State Ballet, subsequently becoming managing director of Princeton American Repertory Ballet in New Jersey and the Nevada Ballet in Las Vegas, in each case strengthening touring, finances, and artistic scope. A native of New Jersey, Ferris attended Bard College, holds a BA from SUNY Buffalo, and an MBA from Rutgers. He currently serves on the Board of Dance USA on its leadership Council.

Jane Gleason is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. She spent twenty years in the luxury hotel business, primarily in Washington DC.  A native of Johnstown Pennsylvania, Jane returned to her hometown in 2005 to become the Chief Operating Officer of her family's business the Gleason Agency.  The agency was sold in 2011 to Arthur J. Gallagher, the nation's fourth largest insurance broker. Jane is currently the Branch Process Manager for the Northeast Region where she does operational integration of new acquisitions for Gallagher. Jane is a board member of both the Pennsylvania Chamber for Business and Industry and the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce.   She also serves on the Board of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, and has been active in local government and politics.

About PHC
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) is a non-profit organization and a federal-state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities for the last 40 years. PHC champions the humanities through original programming, advocacy, and humanities grants throughout the Commonwealth.

CONTACT:
Sherry C. Hicks
Communications Manager
215.925.1005 - ext. 119 
[email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Humanities Council