Class of 1958 Co-Chair Frank Gould Meets David Mannella

On October 26-28, class of 1958 co-chair Frank Gould has planned an exciting weekend for us in Hanover. A beer and pizza party after the bonfire at Lewiston Depot on Friday afternoon, a long class meeting in Hanover on Friday evening, pregame tailgate at Dave Bradley’s law office on Saturday, followed by our class banquet at Breakfast on the Connecticut in Lyme – these events are just the start of what promises to be an exciting Homecoming mini!

Early Life and Education

David Mannella, a graduate of Pine Crest High School, hails from an entertainment-minded family. His passion for theater has guided him to pursue a career as both a two-time Tony Award nominated Broadway producer and practicing entertainment law.

Alumnus of the Class of 2010 was an active participant in school theater, band, debate and chorus. He and his classmates even traveled to Scotland where they wrote and performed an original musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Mannella has extensive experience working with schools, non-profits, and professional sports teams. As President of Mannella Consulting Services, which specializes in leadership coaching and optimizing learning environments for schools and organizations, Mannella served as CEO of KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools where he established and developed a network of five high-performing schools located in North Philadelphia.

Professional Career

Manella was a lawyer who represented many entertainment figures. He helped them reduce their tax liabilities and work to get them out of debt.

He later joined forces with two Broadway producers and served on the Board of Directors at WP Theater, America’s oldest and largest theater company dedicated to producing works by women+ theater artists.

David Mannella Guitars was his side business, which repaired an array of guitars including an 1876 Martin acoustic and fretless Middle Eastern “ude” guitar. Additionally, David served as coach to students and staff at Pine Crest Academy.

Achievement and Honors

David Manella is a two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway co-producer and practicing entertainment attorney, providing clients with comprehensive solutions for various transactional needs in the industry. His talent practice is flourishing, and he represents leading financial institutions in financing digital media production and live stage events.

He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for WP Theatre, America’s oldest and largest theater company dedicated to developing and producing works by women+ theater artists.

Mannella, a junior, helped Benedictine College capture both Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week awards this season for the second time. His team-leading time of 25:17 set an all-time best finish at Lou Cross Country Classic while placing fifth at Larry Young Invite.

Personal Life

David Manella has been an integral part of the Pine Crest community for more than a decade, but it was his involvement in performing arts that has truly molded him into who he is today. He credits both the school’s nurturing approach to arts education as well as his mentors with sparking his interest in theater.

David is a two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway co-producer and practicing entertainment attorney, working at the forefront of major deals that shape this industry. His practice encompasses development, rights acquisition and financing as well as production counsel for live stage and TV productions.

Net Worth

David Mannella has an estimated net worth of $10 million. As a partner at Jackson Kearney, he practices corporate and commercial law and represents businesses and individuals in numerous transactions such as film/TV deals; digital media/streaming platforms; and immersive live events. Furthermore, David has an expertise in talent representation – serving as production counsel for numerous major live stage and television productions.

Last year, David Mannella resigned his position as vice chairman of the board of commissioners for Slidell Memorial Hospital after being arrested on a sexual battery charge. Deputies say it stems from an August complaint filed by a woman who claimed Mannella touched her multiple times while walking to her car after attending a service organization event at his residence.