Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation Announces Executive Leadership Transition
Justin Heimbecker Appointed as Executive Director; Harry Dietzler to Focus on Summer Stage’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Upper Darby, PA – Thursday, September 25 – The Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation is pleased to announce a key leadership transition as it prepares to celebrate a landmark year for one of its flagship programs, the renowned Upper Darby Summer Stage.
Harry Dietzler, new Development Director of Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation, speaks at last year's Harry Awards.
Harry Dietzler, the Executive Director of UDAEF and founder of Upper Darby Summer Stage, will transition to the newly established role of Director of Development. In this capacity, Harry will focus on the strategic planning and execution of Summer Stage’s 50th anniversary celebrations, working to ensure the milestone year is an unforgettable experience for participants, alumni, and the broader community. Harry’s visionary leadership has shaped the course of Summer Stage over the past five decades, and this new role will allow him to continue contributing to its legacy and future success.
Justin Heimbecker, new Executive Director of Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation
Taking over the role of Executive Director is Justin Heimbecker, a dedicated Upper Darby alumnus and former student of Upper Darby’s MusicMan, Brad Schoener. Justin has a degree in music education and brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit arts management, as well as a deep commitment to the mission of the organization. His appointment marks a seamless transition in leadership, as he steps into this role with a strong vision for furthering the impact of UDAEF and guiding the organization into its next chapter.
“I am thrilled to welcome Justin to this position. As an alumnus and long-time supporter of the arts in Upper Darby, he truly understands the heart of this program,” said Harry Dietzler. “I look forward to devoting my energy to ensuring that our 50th anniversary celebrations honor our rich history and inspire the next generation of participants.”
Joe Lunardi, President of the UDAEF Board of Directors, shared his excitement for this new chapter: “Justin is an outstanding leader whose deep roots in our community and vast experience in the arts will serve the organization well. We are also incredibly grateful to Harry for his decades of dedication and are excited to see the 50th anniversary celebrations take shape under his leadership. This transition comes at a pivotal moment, and we could not be more confident in the future of the Foundation and Summer Stage.”
"I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director," said Justin Heimbecker. "Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of the arts in this community, I am committed to building on the strong foundation Harry has created and ensuring that UDAEF and its programs continue to enrich the lives of young people for years to come."
As UDAEF looks forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Upper Darby Summer Stage in 2025, the organization encourages the community to stay engaged for exciting announcements and opportunities to be part of this historic milestone.
The Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation (UDAEF) is dedicated to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities in Upper Darby and surrounding communities. Established in 1998, UDAEF supports a variety of programs that promote creativity, learning, and personal growth. Its flagship program, Upper Darby Summer Stage, has become one of the nation’s most respected youth theater programs, inspiring thousands of students to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and foster a deep love for the performing arts. Through its commitment to artistic excellence and nurturing talent, UDAEF programs have provided countless young people with unforgettable experiences, life-long friendships, and the skills needed to succeed both on and off the stage.