Blumenthal Arts Welcomes New Chief Marketing Officer

(September 5, 2025) Charlotte, NC – Blumenthal Arts announced Sean Phaler as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Phaler was most recently Senior Director of Digital Marketing and Head of International Expansion at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, where he spearheaded the evolution of the organization’s digital marketing strategy and initiated innovative ways to enhance the fan experience.  

 

 

Blumenthal Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard said, "We are delighted to welcome Sean Phaler as Blumenthal Arts' new Chief Marketing Officer after a highly competitive national search. Sean brings a wealth of experience as a data-driven digital marketer. His strategic vision will be instrumental in advancing our mission in today's dynamic arts and media landscape. Sean’s leadership at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, where he successfully engaged new audiences and cultivated loyal fan communities, positions him well to elevate the patron experience and expand our reach across the region.”

 

Phaler said, "I am honored to join Blumenthal Arts at such an exciting moment for our community. Blumenthal has built an extraordinary foundation, and I’m excited to partner with this incredible team to drive the brand forward, deepen engagement, and grow our audiences powered by insight and innovation. The arts have the power to inspire, connect, and transform, and I can’t wait to get to work creating experiences that will impact Charlotte, the Carolinas, and beyond."

 

As a lifelong builder and marketing innovator, Phaler has spent over two decades transforming how fans, audiences, and communities connect with brands, teams, and live experiences. From launching Charlotte’s MLS franchise, Charlotte FC, to completely transforming marketing’s role within the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium, redefining it from a cost center to a revenue driver. Sean has built a career on blending creativity, data, and storytelling to grow audiences and deepen loyalty.

 

Phaler began his journey in eighth grade, winning a national web design contest and being offered a professional job before anyone realized he was only 14. That early passion grew into a career that has spanned professional sports, Fortune 100 brands, and high-growth start-ups. Along the way, he has launched global rebrands, pioneered marketing attribution models that tie engagement directly to revenue, and spearheaded international expansion efforts, including bringing the Carolina Panthers to Germany through the NFL Global Markets Program.

 

Standing six feet nine inches tall and a former basketball player, Phaler carries a team-first mindset into every role, building high-performing teams grounded in collaboration, creativity, transparency, and purpose. He lives in Charlotte with his wife and four children, who share his love for arts, entertainment, outdoors, and sports. Phaler’s vision is fueled by a belief that the arts can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and belonging, leaving a lasting impact on both Charlotte and the broader region.

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ABOUT BLUMENTHAL ARTS

Blumenthal Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment, and education not-for-profit. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Arts receives support from the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. Generous support is also provided by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights series, and Equitable, sponsor of the Equitable Bravo Series. 

 

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