Sharon Pinkenson, appointed Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office by Mayor Edward G. Rendell in January 19992, was re-appointed by Major John Street in 2000, where she currently serves as Executive Director. On July 1, 1992, she successfully spun off the municipal film office as a multi-county driving force for economic development. The non-profit corporation has generated nearly $750 million during her tenure.
Pinkenson markets Philadelphia and the surrounding tri-state region to the film, video, and television industry, attracting lucrative business that employs local citizens and brings business to the city. She also directs local goods and services to productions; publishes the Greater Philadelphia Film & Video Guide; the popular Web site www.film.org; and advocates the growth of Philadelphia’s film community through the Greater Philadelphia Filmmakers program.
Throughout her career, Pinkenson, a Temple University alumna, has remained an important figure in the Philadelphia community. She serves on boards at Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater, Drexel University’s Nesbitt College of Design, Film US, the African American Museum, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. She also serves as Founding Director for Film at the Prince Music Theater – The Sharon Pinkenson Film Project. Married to businessman Joseph Weiss, she has one daughter and has lived in Center City, Philadelphia since 1964.