In July 2007 Anne Ewers assumed the role of President & CEO of Kimmel Center, Inc. During her inaugural year, Ms. Ewers retired the Company’s $30 million construction debt, raised the endowment from $40 million to $72 million and garnered $10 million to establish a biennial city-wide festival, PIFA. Over the next 14 years, she led the growth of the Center to become the second largest performing arts center in the country, second only to Lincoln Center. With the onslaught of COVID, Ms. Ewers chose to make transformational change, instigating and championing the merger of the Kimmel with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Unanimously approved by both Boards at the end of 2021, the merger marks the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the industry. Ms. Ewers retired upon the completion of the merger deal and now serves as a member of the Board.