Spoleto Festival USA announces seven new board members
October 29, 2024
Spoleto Festival USA, America’s premier performing arts festival, announced the election of seven new members to its board of directors. Joining the board are Julie Caperton, Sam Easley, Michael Hostetler, Susan S. Keenan, Eddie Robinson, Michael Seekings, and Diana Vesga.
The board of directors of Spoleto Festival USA is a group of dedicated individuals from across the country, united by a shared passion for the performing arts. With diverse backgrounds and a range of skills, Spoleto board members are responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategic direction and financial health.
“I am excited to work alongside our new board members to build upon our organization’s success,” says Mena Mark Hanna, general director and CEO of Spoleto Festival USA. “Their unique perspectives and collaborative spirit will strengthen our team and drive us forward.”
Spoleto Festival USA Board Chair Phil Smith says “our new board members bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. I am confident that their contributions will help us achieve our goals and create a brighter future.”
Mrs. Julie Caperton, board member, is the head of The Private Bank and Wells Fargo Partnerships. Since joining Wells Fargo in 2002, Julie has held several leadership positions including leading corporate development. She also served as the head of asset-backed finance and corporate trust services and as the head of structured products in the legal division. Julie is involved in fundraising for educational, arts, and medical research organizations. She serves on the board of visitors of Wake Forest Law School and on the board of directors for Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholars. Julie, an avid runner and traveler, lives in Cornelius, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Mr. Sam Easley, board member, is the founder and CEO of Crown Merchandise, a full-service merchandising company that represents a wide range of brands on tour, at retail, and through strategic licensing partnerships. Sam enjoys studying Southern culture and literature, specifically focused on the notable authors from his home state of Mississippi. His passion for cultural preservation has in part involved historic restorations, including multiple properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sam resides in Charleston with his husband and three children.
Dr. Michael Hostetler, board member, is a partner at the law firm Wilson Sonsini. His expertise includes patent strategy, patent prosecution, and patent diligence for venture financings, public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. He has provided patent counseling in support of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in all stages of development, from proof of concept to regulatory approval to product launch. Mike is the founder of Phenotypic Recordings, LLC, a record label that focuses on bringing new music to light. He and his wife reside in San Francisco, California, and are ardent supporters of the arts.
Mrs. Susan S. Keenan, board member, has over 23 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Susan has served as a consultant with Corporate DevelopMint, LLC, before becoming executive director at Roper St. Francis. Sue was also director of institutional advancement at Hammond School before consulting with Change Development Move where she continues to enjoy working with nonprofits. In addition to volunteering with various organizations, Sue and her husband Neel split time between Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, and visiting their five sons across the country.
Dr. Eddie Robinson, DVM, board member, is a retired veterinarian who practiced for over 32 years. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians, and the Greater Columbia Association of Veterinarians. Eddie is the founder and principal of Rand-Roo Enterprises and Rand-Roo Estate Holdings. Eddie serves on the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame board of directors and Clemson University IPTAY board of directors. He is an adjunct instructor at Midlands Technical College. Eddie lives in Columbia, South Carolina, and in his free time he enjoys spending time with family and listening to jazz.
Mr. Michael Seekings, board member, is serving a fourth term as Charleston City Councilman representing district 8. He is chairman of CARTA, chairman of the Traffic and Transportation Committee, vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, a member of the Public Safety Committee, a member of the Public Works and Utilities Committee, and chairman of the Audit Committee. Mike serves on the board of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Gibbes Museum of Art. He is an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston and former adjunct professor at the Charleston School of Law.
Ms. Diana Vesga, board member, is the COO at LACMA, the largest art museum in the western U.S., and previously served as their chief advancement officer. Diana served on the County of Los Angeles Advisory Committee for Cultural Diversity and Equity since 2015 and was recognized in 2023 on the floor of the US Congress on Women’s History Month. Previously, Diana was vice president of private equity at Oaktree Capital, and vice president of investor relations and corporate finance at Univision Communications. Diana was a soprano in Grupo Ballestrinque, the prominent Colombian chamber choir, with whom she performed at the Vatican. She lives in Pasadena, California, with her husband and two sons.
For more information about Spoleto Festival USA, visit spoletousa.org.
About Spoleto Festival USA
Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Now in its 48th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2025 season takes place from May 23 to June 8 in various locations throughout Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
