Kendra Whitlock Ingram. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Kendra Whitlock Ingram, a graduate of Duquesne University, will replace Kevin McMahon, who is retiring as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

“Kendra’s boundless enthusiasm and breadth of experience managing a broad range of art forms have made her the number one choice to lead the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at this important time in its history,” Trust board chair Richard Harshman said in a statement announcing the hiring.

Ingram, who is from Scranton, is president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee.

Ray Wilson, board president of the Marcus, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ingram helped elevate the profile of the performing arts center around the country. She is a member of the Broadway League Board of Governors and a Tony Awards voter.

Wilson also noted Ingram’s commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion by setting a goal to have a board of directors that is 50% Black, Indigenous and people of color by 2025.

Ingram was the first woman and person of color to lead the Milwaukee arts center and will be the first person of color to lead the Cultural Trust. Carol Brown was president and CEO of the Cultural Trust from 1986 to 2000.

“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s growing regional, national and international reputation for employing the arts as a community builder and economic catalyst is just one of the many reasons that I’m heading back to my college town,” Ingram said in a statement.

At Duquesne, Ingram earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. She earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska – Omaha. 

Ingram takes over on Feb. 1, 2023.

Brian brings a passion for Pittsburgh, doughnuts and ice cream to his job as editor. His more than 30 years of journalism experience have taught him the importance of community engagement and a sense of humor.