Cape Ann Symphony Adds New Board Members For 75th Season

Cape Ann Symphony has announced the appointment of  new members to its Board of Directors: Beverly's Colleen DeBeasi, Gloucester's Joanne Hamel and Gloucester's Kathleen Piaggesi.

These incoming board members bring a diverse mix of experience in arts administration, financial planning, global leadership, community outreach, and civic engagement, to  further strengthen CAS leadership as it enters its Diamond-Anniversary  Season. The new Board Members join current Board members : Thomas Mannle, President; Barbara Cox, Director of Marketing; John Bjorlie, Secretary; Hank Betts; Lynne M. Khambaty; Robert Y. Ellis; Richard Einhorn, MD; Ann Morrison; Stephanie Stathos; Joanathan Stringer; John Todd; Lisa Watt-Bucci and Robert K. Whitmarsh, Jr.  

“Cape Ann Symphony is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors — neighbors, professionals, musicians, and longtime patrons who give their time so the music keeps playing” , says CAS Board President Thomas Mannle, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome these extraordinary leaders to our Board. Their unique perspectives and professional acumen are vital to sustaining and growing our musical impact on the community. These new Board members come to Cape Ann Symphony from vastly different backgrounds but they all share a passion for music, and an unswerving dedication to  preserve and advance Cape Ann Symphony's musical heritage."

The newly appointed board members include:

Colleen DeBeasi is a senior operations leader with over a decade of experience scaling complex initiatives and driving excellence within global organizations. Ms. DeBeasi brings that same strategic energy, enthusiasm, and lifelong love of music to the Cape Ann Symphony Board. Though she grew up (begrudgingly!) listening to classical music on WCRB at her mother's behest, somewhere along the way, that forced listening turned into a genuine passion. Today, Colleen loves music that tells a story and is deeply committed to connecting the symphony with new and nontraditional audiences, believing fervently that classical music is for everyone. A North Shore resident for a decade, Colleen currently calls Beverly home with her husband and their rescue dog, Finn. Beyond her professional work, she is an avid cook, an enthusiastic traveler with over 20 countries stamped in her passport, and a dedicated explorer of the region's many Trustees properties.  

Joanne Hamel brings nearly four decades of healthcare experience, with a career grounded in compassionate care, patient advocacy, and service to others. Following her transition to semi-retirement, she has dedicated her time and energy to strengthening the Cape Ann community through volunteer leadership and civic engagement. Since making Gloucester her home in 2014, Joanne has become an active community leader and passionate advocate for the arts. She volunteers with the Cape Ann Symphony, The Open Door Food Pantry, and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, supporting initiatives that enrich cultural life, promote community connections, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. As a member of the Cape Ann Symphony Board, Ms. Hamel is committed to advancing the Symphony's mission, expanding access to the arts, and fostering appreciation for the vital role that music and culture play in a thriving community.

Kathleen Piaggesi was a sole practitioner who served clients as a Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Advisor in Scarsdale, New York for over 30 years. While living in Scarsdale she served on the boards of the Scarsdale Woman's Club and the Scarsdale Family Counseling Service. Now semi-retired, she has lived in Gloucester, MA for 12 years. A Rotarian currently serving as Assistant Sergeant at Arms Ms. Piaggesi joined the Rotary Club of Gloucester in 2014. After enjoying a number of Cape Ann Symphony concerts and expressing an interest in supporting its efforts, Ms. Piaggesi accepted an invitation to join the CAS Board.

CAS Board President Thomas Mannle has been a fan and supporter of CAS since 1981. He was introduced to CAS when his son studied saxophone at Gloucester's O'Maley Middle School with David Benjamin, the former CAS Business Manager. After the Mannle family moved to Washington, D.C in 1993, they returned to Cape Ann  for holidays and vacations and made sure to catch a CAS concert! In 2009 when the Mannle family moved back to Gloucester, Thomas Mannle joined the CAS Board of Directors. During his time on the Board  he has served as Treasurer and President.  A fan of all styles of music,  Board President Mannle is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University, and has been a healthcare consultant, particularly focused on the unique planning requirements of the Federal Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, since the early 1990s.

The Cape Ann Symphony's 75th Season opens on Sunday, September 27, 2026. " We have planned a full season of orchestral and chamber music across our spectacular Cape Ann venues plus a few surprises to celebrate 75 years onstage making music," adds CAS Board President Thomas Mannle,  "I am thrilled to be working with this CAS Board of Directors, musicians and our Music Director and Conductor Yoichi Udagawa as we celebrate this important milestone."   

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