PHILADELPHIA (July 12, 2018) -- The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is pleased to announce the election of four new members to its Board of Trustees.

PAFA Board Chair Kevin F. Donohoe said, “We are thrilled to welcome these four exceptional individuals to the board. Their expertise, energy and service to the community are well suited to PAFA’s mission of promoting the transformative power of art and art making.”

The new trustees are:

MARTHA KENNEDY, of Philadelphia, is a retired teacher. Since 2003, Martha and her husband have actively supported PAFA’s signature Annual Student Exhibition (ASE). Martha currently volunteers with the Friends of the Wissahickon, where she also serves as a board member, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, the Greene Country Garden Club and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Past volunteer activities include the University of Pennsylvania Museum Women’s Committee and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Ms. Kennedy said: “I am looking forward to being a part of this wonderful institution. It is a very exciting opportunity.”

DAVID OLIVER, of Devon, is President at Oliver Fire Protection & Security. In 2005, David became the fourth President of Oliver Fire Protection & Security, marking the start to the third generation of Oliver family leadership. The company provides fire alarm, fire suppression, inspections and security services.

Mr. Oliver said: “I am humbled and honored to be provided with the opportunity to serve on the Board of PAFA. The iconic institution in Philadelphia provides an amazing resource to our great city and commitment to the arts.  The current leadership has brought vibrancy and energy to this great organization, revitalizing the mission and impact of PAFA.  I look forward to supporting this continued effort.”

ANTHONY “TONY” ROTH, of Bryn Mawr, is Chief Investment Officer for Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, the investment advisory arm of M&T Bank Corporation.  Prior to joining Wilmington Trust in 2014, Tony was Chief Investment Officer for Aquitaine Management in New York. Tony is currently a board member for the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra.

Mr. Roth said:  “It is a privilege to have been elected a PAFA Trustee.  This is an incredibly exciting time in the history of this uniquely vibrant arts organization.  I look forward to working with David Brigham, the institution’s staff and my fellow Trustees as the Academy continues to evolve under David’s strong and steady hand.” 

JOHN TOATES, of Devon, is the owner and principal of John Toates Architecture and Design, which he founded in 2012 after a very successful career with Peter Zimmerman Architects, where he designed and managed dozens of traditional and historic residential projects. John has been a member of the Bacchanal Committee since 2013 and was a 2016 co-chair of the event. John is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Institute of Classical Architecture and the Lower Merion Conservancy, among others.

Mr. Toates said: “I was pleased and honored to be asked to become a board member of PAFA.  Through many years of interaction with PAFA’s Bacchanal, Annual Student Exhibition and other events and exhibitions, it became clear to me that PAFA’s mission and long term approach to design, education and preservation was something that I wanted to support.”