Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts Welcomes New President, Elizabeth Gelman

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - EntSun -- Bill Edwards, Founder and CEO of Big3 Entertainment and the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Gelman as the new President of the Foundation. Gelman, an accomplished nonprofit executive and arts leader, brings decades of experience in museums, cultural programming, education, and community engagement.

"Beth is an extraordinary leader whose vision and commitment to the arts align perfectly with the mission of our Foundation," said Bill Edwards. "Her track record of elevating institutions, expanding access, and fostering inclusive cultural experiences will strengthen our work and ensure that Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts - benefiting the Mahaffey Theater continues to enhance youth education throughout the Tampa Bay area."

Gelman most recently served as Senior Director of Arts & Cultural Programming at Creative Pinellas, where she led a strategic vision for the county's premier gallery, quadrupled attendance, and set historic records for artist sales. She produced over a dozen exhibitions annually, launched new revenue streams, and forged dynamic community partnerships that deepened the gallery's impact.

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Prior to Creative Pinellas, Gelman spent eight years as Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum, where she tripled the organization's budget, dramatically expanded statewide reach in Holocaust education, and built lasting public-private partnerships. Under her leadership, the Museum grew its annual audience from 19,000 to more than 225,000 participants and extended programming to all 73 Florida school districts.

Her career also includes leadership roles at the Spertus Institute, The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, and Terra Museum of American Art, along with experience as an educator, performer, and writer. A graduate of Northwestern University and National Louis University, Gelman has been recognized for her visionary leadership at the intersection of social justice, community engagement, and the arts.

"I am deeply honored to join the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts at such an exciting moment," said Elizabeth Gelman. "The Foundation's dedication to world-class programming and youth access through initiatives like the Class Acts program is inspiring. I look forward to building on this legacy by expanding opportunities for our community to engage with the arts, learn, and grow together."

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About the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts supports performing arts programming at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater. Our mission is to educate, engage, and entertain everyone in our community through culturally diverse performances. We present inspiring arts education programs, community outreach initiatives, live mainstage performances, concerts, and special events for the enjoyment of the entire community. For more information, visit: BillEdwardsFoundationfortheArts.org