PHILADELPHIA, PA — As it approaches its 50th year as the region’s premier outdoor performing arts venue, the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts is strengthening its leadership ranks, appointing two prominent business figures to its Board of Directors.
The Mann announced that Dan Tropeano, market president of Highmark Blue Shield in southeastern Pennsylvania, and Sam Hamilton, co-founder and executive vice president of Haverford Retail Partners, have joined the board at a pivotal moment in the institution’s history.
Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of Highmark Mann, said the appointments come during a period of transformation for the center, which is expanding its campus, reimagining its public spaces, and investing in artistic programming and community engagement.
“We are in the midst of a transformative era as we enter our 50th year as the region’s premier outdoor performing arts center, and the strength of our board is essential to carrying that work forward,” Cahill said. She pointed to Tropeano’s strategic leadership and Highmark’s long-term commitment as the venue’s naming partner, along with Hamilton’s real estate and development expertise, as key assets for the organization’s future.
Tropeano oversees Highmark Blue Shield’s strategy in southeastern Pennsylvania, with responsibility for strengthening the insurer’s statewide presence and expanding community-focused health solutions. Before joining Highmark, he spent more than 15 years at UnitedHealth Group, most recently as senior vice president and general manager of OptumRx, and previously served as health plan CEO for Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“It is a privilege to join forces with Highmark Mann, not only through our recently expanded collaboration, but on a personal level,” Tropeano said, calling the arts a powerful force for connection, inspiration, and healing within communities.
Tropeano also serves on the executive committee of Highmark Mann and holds leadership or advisory roles with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations. He earned his undergraduate degree from Villanova University.
Hamilton brings a background in real estate investment and development. As a co-founder of Haverford Retail Partners, he leads business development and capital markets efforts for a portfolio exceeding 2.0 million square feet of grocery-anchored and essential retail properties valued at more than $300 million across multiple regions.
A Philadelphia native, Hamilton began his career at Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, where he focused on leasing and integrating healthcare services into retail properties, before launching a series of entrepreneurial ventures that led to the creation of Haverford Retail.
“As a lifelong native, I’ve witnessed the impact Highmark Mann has made on Philadelphia communities and beyond,” Hamilton said. “It’s an honor to join the board and continue that work alongside other dedicated leaders.”
Hamilton also serves on the boards of The Franklin Institute and the Haverford School and is active in the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust. He holds degrees from the University of Richmond and Villanova University.
Highmark Mann officials said the combined experience of Tropeano and Hamilton will help guide the organization as it looks to strengthen its artistic mission, deepen community ties, and build a sustainable future for the next generation of audiences.
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