Attorney and Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. board member Jonelle Procope has been named president and CEO of the Foundation effective immediately. Procope will be based at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem. David D. Rodriguez will continue in his role as executive director.
"Jonelle is the perfect fit for this position. She brings a wealth of experience from the entertainment and corporate sectors. She has been a dedicated member of the ATF board and I am confident in her vision for the Apollo's future. Her acceptance of this new role is a great event for the Apollo," states Dick Parsons, chairman ATF board.
In her new role, Procope will be responsible for leading the foundation in its fundraising and revitalization efforts as well as fulfilling the board's mandate to preserve the rich cultural legacy of the legendary Apollo Theater. Additionally, she will work to ensure the viability and growth of the Apollo as a premiere performance venue and educational/cultural resource to the Harlem community and the public at large.
"I am thrilled to have been selected to play a leadership role on behalf of one of our country's most celebrated institutions. While there is a lot of work ahead, I look forward to joining with the outstanding ATF board and theater team to effectively exploit the Apollo's incredible potential," comments Procope.
As a member of the ATF Board and chairman of its Nominating and Governance Committee, Procope has been a strong advocate of the foundation's revitalization efforts. Procope is an attorney in private practice, specializing in entertainment law. During the past 20 years, Procope has held senior management positions at a variety of entertainment and media-related companies, including Viacom International (MTV, Showtime Entertainment and Viacom Productions), Bristol-Myers Squibb in their Consumer Products division and the successful independent record label, Blackground Records. Procope began her legal career as an associate with the New York City law firm, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.
