Drama League Appoints Dana Harrel and Panney Wei to Board of Directors

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The Drama League has unveiled its new New NextGen Theater Leaders.

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The Drama League is welcoming two new additions to the organization’s Board of Directors: Vice President of Disneyland Paris Entertainment Dana Harrel and Founding Partner of Harpe Ventures Panney Wei. “We are thrilled to welcome Dana Harrel and Panney Wei to The Drama League Board of Directors,” said Bonnie Comley , President of The Drama League Board of Directors. “As a Drama League alumna and one of the industry’s most accomplished creative executives, Dana embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence in directing and storytelling. Panney’s groundbreaking work across Broadway, film, and cultural entrepreneurship reflects a deep commitment to fostering new voices and expanding the reach of storytelling. Together, they bring invaluable expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared passion for supporting artists that will strengthen The Drama League’s mission and impact for years to come.” The Drama League Board of Directors is led by President Bonnie Comley , Executive Director Bevin Ross, and Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks . Serving as Vice Presidents are Kumiko Yoshii , Sarah Hutton, Mary Jain, and Darin Oduyoye . Irene Gandy serves as Secretary, and Trish Chambers serves as Treasurer. Rounding out the Board are Elena Araoz , Sydney Beers , Estefanía Fadul, Dana Harrel, Una Jackman , Jennifer Johnson -Blalock, Paula Kaminsky Davis , Anne Kauffman , Gwynn MacDonald , Michelle Martello, Arthur Pober , Frederic J. Siegel , and Panney Wei. Additionally, The Drama League is proud to announce its NextGen Theater Leaders Board, a dynamic community of rising professionals and passionate theater advocates dedicated to shaping the future of the American theater. Supporting the industry through advocacy, fundraising, and leadership development, the Board includes: Matt Barbey , The Corcoran Group; John Bautista, Solstice Talent; Shannon Behrens, Salesforce; Jonathan Castanien , The Sống Collective; Kate Coffey, [AKA NYC]; Rachel Cox, Salesforce; Nia Fraser, DGRW Inc.; Chloé Gingrich-Howling, Marketing & Communications Consultant; Sarah Yejin Hahm; Lauren Haslett, Uber; Zachary Hausman, Theatre Producer, Saturday Night Live; Flora Huang, Buchwald; Jodi Innerfield, Jodi Innerfield Consulting; Kendra Jain , Actor; Matthew Krauss, Regular People; Julianna McGuirl, Julianna McGuirl Photography; Izzy Ochoki, Actor, Producer, Social Media Consultant; Devi Peot, SAOB/Casting by ARC; Frankie Ramirez , The TRC Company; Maria Sauer, BlackRock; and Dylan Tashjian, Cherry Lane Theatre , Eastern Standard Time. United by a love of live performance and a commitment to artistic leadership, members of the NextGen Theater Leaders Board will work together starting this year to raise $100,000 annually in support of the Directors Project, The Drama League’s nationally recognized program for emerging and established stage directors. The NextGen Board is stepping forward to ensure that talented artists continue to receive the resources, mentorship, and career support they need to thrive. Their investment helps sustain the creative pipeline that fuels the theater industry, empowering directors whose vision brings stories to life on stages across America. More than a fundraising initiative, the NextGen Theater Leaders Board serves as a leadership incubator and professional network for the next generation of cultural champions. Members gain opportunities to build fundraising and governance skills, expand their professional connections, engage directly with theater artists, and serve as visible ambassadors for the importance of investing in the art of directing. Through special events, networking opportunities, theater outings, and philanthropic engagement, NextGen members are helping ensure that directors—and the stories they tell—continue to shape the future of the American theater.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/industry/article/The-Drama-League-Welcomes-Dana-Harrel-and-Panney-Wei-to-the-Board-of-Directors-20260617)._