September 2, 2025
ABT Appoints Heather Li as Chief Financial Officer
NEW YORK, NY – American Ballet Theatre announced today the appointment of Heather Li as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 2, 2025. Li joins ABT with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations, bringing deep expertise in finance, strategy, and organizational transformation.
Li most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at the Brooklyn Museum, where she led finance function restructuring and oversaw the implementation of new systems to strengthen operational efficiency. Prior to her transition into the non-profit sector, she held senior financial and strategic roles in the retail industry with companies including Macy’s, Lululemon, and The Ritz-Carlton. She began her career in financial services in the banking division of Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong.
Li holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA from Johns Hopkins University. Notably, she first connected with American Ballet Theatre as an intern in 2017 and is excited to “come full circle” by returning to the Company in this pivotal leadership role.
In her new position as CFO, Li will oversee all financial operations of the Company, providing strategic guidance to ensure stability and long-term growth. She will work closely with ABT’s executive leadership to strengthen financial planning, advance key initiatives, and support the Company’s mission to inspire, engage, and uplift communities through the art of ballet.
“Heather’s combination of corporate and non-profit expertise, along with her proven track record in financial leadership, makes her an exceptional addition to ABT,” said Barry Hughson, Executive Director of American Ballet Theatre. “Her collaborative and forward-thinking approach will help guide ABT into its next chapter.”
Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, added: “Heather’s arrival brings extraordinary depth to our leadership team. Her vision and dedication will be instrumental as we continue to build a sustainable future for ballet and expand the impact of our artistry.”
Li shared: “I am thrilled to join ABT at such an important time in its history. Returning to the organization where I began as an intern feels both inspiring and deeply meaningful. I look forward to listening, learning, and collaborating with this remarkable team to ensure a vibrant future for the Company.”
ABOUT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
American Ballet Theatre is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Revered as a national treasure since its founding season in 1940, its mission is to create, present, preserve, and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT’s repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated America’s National Ballet Company®.
For more information, please visit www.abt.org.