City of Hope has named Sean Frankenheimer and Jessa Gelt the new co-presidents of Future Hope. Frankenheimer is founder and president of The Difference Entertainment Management; Gelt is executive director, creative, at BMI.

They succeed Tyler Barth, founder of The Legacy House, and Mollie Lehman, former VP of A&R at Atlantic, whose tenure was extended for two years during the pandemic. In their five years as co-presidents, membership increased by 41% and the org raised $1m to support City of Hope’s mission to turn innovative research discoveries into leading-edge treatments.

“Mollie and Tyler built something truly remarkable,” said Gelt. “With the great foundation they gave us, we look to deepen engagement with our membership and find innovative ways to raise funds in support of City of Hope’s vital mission to transform the future of cancer care.”

“Support of City of Hope has become a family tradition that I am proud to be part of,” said Frankenheimer, who chairs the annual Leslie Frankenheimer Walk for a Cure in honor of his late mother, who died of cancer. His father, Loeb & Loeb Partner John Frankenheimer, is a Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board member for City of Hope.

Founded in 2012, COH’s Future Hope comprises rising young entertainment-industry professionals who contribute their talents, time and networks to work toward a world in which cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses are a thing of the past.

In August Frankenheimer and Barth chaired the Future Hope Committee’s Sunday Funday event, featuring the All in for Hope Poker Tournament, which raised over $200k.

Gelt, who's been an active Future Hope member since 2018, has played a key role in generating additional participation in major fundraising events and hosting Future Hope board meetings.

“Tyler Barth and Mollie Lehman did a remarkable job of growing Future Hope to be a powerful force in support of City of Hope’s vital mission,” said Evan Lamberg, president of UMPG, N.A., and president of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board. “We welcome Jessa Gelt and Sean Frankenheimer to continue to elevate Future Hope. We are very lucky and proud to have them.”