Jonelle Procope
President & Chief Executive Officer
Apollo Theater Foundation
Billie Holiday, the Jackson Five, Gladys Knight & the Pips,
Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Chubby Checker, Otis
Redding, Prince, Barry White, Snoop Dog, Bill Cosby, Whoopie
Goldberg, Chris Rock and Jonelle Procope. All have graced the
stage of the world famous Apollo Theater. You recognize these
mega-stars but ask yourself, “who is Jonelle Procope – didn’t she
win a Grammy a few years back?”
No she didn’t. Jonelle Procope ’77 serves as the President
and Chief Executive Officer at the historic landmark, Apollo
Theater in Harlem, New York. She is the strategic architect
behind the $96 million “Apollo Rising Capital Campaign” designed to
restore, expand and sustain the legendary theater. With
almost $52 million raised, a large portion of the restoration has
already been completed with the final phase being addressed during
a nine month construction effort that began in January.
After graduating from Howard University and starting her career
at Newsweek magazine, Ms. Procope decided to enroll in St. John’s
Law School based upon its academic reputation, higher than norm bar
pass rate, proximity to NewYork City and program flexibility.
She enjoyed the camaraderie of law school and the discipline
required to be successful. Although she knew that she didn’t
aspire to be a trial attorney, she especially enjoyed criminal and
constitutional law.
Upon graduation, Ms. Procope joined Skadden Arps where she
served as an associate for three years. Ms. Procope realized
early that she did not wish to remain with a large firm because it
did not allow her to see the entire aspect of a transaction only a
small component of the larger picture. Ms. Procope joined
Viacom because it allowed her the global perspective of the
entity’s various ventures. Applying her business and legal
skills in the entertainment arena, Ms. Procope later joined
Blackground Entertainment, Inc. - a small independent record label,
as Vice President of Business Affairs. Shortly thereafter,
Ms. Procope was asked to join the board of the Apollo
Theater. Four years later, the position of President and
Chief Executive Officer was offered to Ms. Procope in
acknowledgement of her business acumen, vision and creativity.
“I see my life as a series of linked events that took me from
Philadelphia to NYC, to St. John’s School of Law, to Skadden and
ultimately the Apollo Theater. Without any of those links, I
would not be complete. I get a chance everyday to apply
everything that I have learned to date, from all of these linked
events, in an environment that I love. I really feel that I’m
using my talent to give back to the community,” noted Ms.
Procope. Her advice to today’s St. John’s Law students,
“Immerse yourself in the areas that truly interest you, take
advantage of the various student groups, associations, societies,
Legal Reviews and Clinics that St. John’s Law has developed over
the years. These are wonderful opportunities to apply what
you are learning, get exposure and practical experience, confirm
your interests and perhaps find a mentor for the various linked
events in your own life.”
Under her direction, the theater has flourished. The Apollo
still hosts “Amateur Night” every Wednesday, as well as, the
nationally and internationally syndicated “Showtime at the
Apollo”. However, the theater is much more than those two
shows. It is a vibrant piece of the community and
history. In addition to being a landmark, The Apollo is an
educational force in the community providing entertainment,
outreach events and programs for children as well as adults.