Oral history interview with Jonelle Procope, 2010

Biographical Note

President and CEO of Apollo Theater, 2004-

Scope and Contents

President and CEO of Apollo Theater, starting in 2004. Served on board prior to appointment as president, after a successful transition from law to entertainment legal and business advising. Took non-traditional career path despite hurdles for black females in law and business, inspired by strength in family members and unwillingness to settle: Describes seeking out, early in her years on the board, mentors like Percy Sutton and other elders for advice. At Apollo, oversaw shift and expansion of fundraising from primarily independent donor-based to city-backed financing, which has allowed it to grow and expand its outreach under not-for-profit status. Shifted board to include wide range of skilled, talented, connected partners. Emphasis on preserving Apollo's legacy rather than pushing it too far into contemporary acts

Subjects

• African American women chief executive officers--Interviews.
• Apollo Theater (New York, N.Y. : 125th Street)
• Arts fund raising--New York (State)--New York.
• Clark, Mary Marshall, interviewer.--http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/ivr
• Edwards, Brent Hayes, interviewer.--http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/ivr
• Procope, Jonelle--Interviews.
• Theater management--New York (State)--New York.
• Women chief executive officers--United States--Interviews.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University of the City of New York and the Apollo Theater Foundation, 2011