Board Members

BERNE SIERGIEJ, a lifelong Philadelphia resident, is a respected attorney specializing in wills, trusts, and estate administration. With over 50 years of legal experience, he has been honored by the Montgomery County Bar Association. Having led numerous civic organizations, he has been a driving force behind Ambler Main Street’s success. As President of Act II Playhouse for the past 12 years, Berne brings a passion for local theater and leadership expertise, along with his wife, Anne Dunnington, a producer and marketing executive. Together, they support Broadway and local productions, sharing their enthusiasm for the performing arts.

COLLEEN STRATTON is the Global Head of Workforce Development at SEI, where she oversees all areas of human resources. With 14 years at SEI, she has played a key role in workforce strategy and development. Prior to SEI, Colleen held executive roles at companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 1000 firms, including leadership positions at CBI Group, the Department of Defense, and Shared Medical Systems. An active community leader, Colleen is Vice President of the Act II Playhouse Board and a member of the Forum of Executive Women. 

SUSAN GALLETTI holds a BS in Accounting from Lehigh University, an MS in Taxation from Pace University, and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University. With eight years in public accounting and a distinguished career in tax, accounting, and finance roles within commercial real estate, Susan retired as Senior Vice President of Tax at Gramercy Property Trust in Horsham. Susan has been active on the Board since 2015 and enjoys traveling, attending theater, and crocheting. She is married to her husband, Michael, and has three stepchildren.

TONY BRAITHWAITE  is a Philadelphia-area native, who returned to the East Coast after an acting stint in L.A. and he has led ACT II Playhouse as Artistic Director since 2012. Tony has worked as an actor, writer, director, or comic with every major theatre company in the region, including The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Arden Theatre Company, Delaware Theatre Company, 1812 Productions, Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts, Maukingbird Theatre, and Montgomery Theater. Tony is a 13-time Barrymore Award nominee, a 4-time emcee of the ceremony, and a 3-time winner (2 wins for performances at Act II – The Big Bang and The Story of My Life). Since 1995 Tony has also been the Director of Dramatics at his beloved alma mater, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School (aka “the Prep”).

CHERYL BROWN  is an award-winning realtor with deep ties to the local community. Her expertise in real estate, coupled with her passion for the performing arts, makes her a valuable member of the Act II Playhouse Board. Cheryl’s commitment to fostering connections and supporting local initiatives helps further the Playhouse’s mission of enriching the cultural landscape. Beyond her professional achievements, Cheryl is dedicated to community engagement and advocacy.

HOWIE BROWN is the President of Mercy Career and Technical High School, a coeducational Catholic institution providing diplomas and industry-recognized certifications in seven career paths. Previously, he served as Director of Admissions at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, his alma mater. A dedicated advocate for the arts, Howie joined the Act II Playhouse Board of Directors in 2012. He was also the Playhouse’s Managing Director and performed in productions such as Heeeere’s Tony! and Lend Me a Tenor. Howie resides in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, with his wife and two children.

CURTIS COCKENBERG, JR., a retired Reading Specialist, is a dedicated community theater volunteer, serving as a director, producer, actor, and stage manager. He is also a passionate track and cross-country coach at St. Joseph’s Prep, where he has received honors including induction into the Hall of Excellence and the PTFCA Coach of the Year award. Curtis lives with his wife and has two adult children. His commitment to education, theater, and athletics reflects his lifelong dedication to enriching his community. He has served on the Act II Board since 2021.

DOUG DOLFMAN is an accomplished attorney with over 29 years of experience in civil litigation and criminal law. He has tried more than 1,500 bench trials and 225 jury trials. Doug serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, sharing his expertise in business management and human resources. Certified for homicide trials, Doug has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2014–2021). An improv and stand-up comedy enthusiast, he performs nationwide and has trained at Second City Comedy Club.

MERLE HOLMAN has been a devoted member of Act II Playhouse’s Board since 2005, bringing decades of professional and community experience. After attending Lower Merion High School and Harcum Junior College, she built a career in market research, founding Group Dynamics in Focus, a Bala Cynwyd-based company now led by her daughter. Merle has a lifelong passion for the arts, performing on the Playhouse stage and ushering for productions. Her current interests include Golden Slipper Charities and the Narberth Food Bank. She resides in Lower Merion and enjoys connecting with her vibrant community.

JOSEPH MANCANO, founder of Mancano Law, PLLC, is a distinguished trial attorney with extensive experience in federal and state courts. A former U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney, he has received numerous commendations and accolades, including the 2022 Lawyer of the Year in White Collar Criminal Defense. Joseph is active in civic and charitable organizations, serving on the Act II Playhouse Board and lecturing on legal topics nationwide. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for over a decade, Joseph brings unmatched expertise and dedication to his profession and community. He has served on the Board of Act II since 2021.

DR. MAURIE MARKMAN is the President of Medicine & Science at City of Hope and a Professor of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research. With leadership roles at esteemed institutions like Memorial Sloan-Kettering and MD Anderson, he is a globally recognized authority in cancer care. Dr. Markman has authored over 1,500 publications and received numerous accolades, including the ASCO Statesman Award. Dr. Markman continues to shape the field of oncology through his groundbreaking research and contributions to medical education. He resides in the Philadelphia area, where he remains active in both professional and community organizations, including the Act II Board of Directors which he has served on since 2023.

JAMES D. SCULLY, JR. has over four decades of experience in the real estate industry, specializing in the acquisition, development, financing, construction, renovation, and management of large-scale apartment and condominium communities through his work with Scully Company. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Before entering the real estate sector, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Jim also contributes to the arts and healthcare sectors through board positions with the Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA, the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, and the Philadelphia Hospital of Osteopathic Medicine. His professional and philanthropic efforts reflect a commitment to both his industry and community.