(RED BANK – July 1, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, has announced changes to its Board of Trustees.

Claudia Dulac, a Bank of America executive who has served on the Basie board since 2020, has been named Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, while board members SoVonna Day-Goins and Maria Maher have been named co-secretaries. They join chairperson Jeremy Grunin, Maggie Riker (Vice Chair, Development), Michael Parent (Vice Chair, Operations), Stephen Cutler (Treasurer), and Robin Klein (Human Resources chair) as the nonprofit’s Executive Committee.

In addition to these appointments, the Basie Center has announced two new community leaders to its Board of Trustees: Alison Banks-Moore, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and James M. Cadet, Market Executive at Merrill Lynch.

“As a lifelong New Jerseyan, I have seen firsthand the power that the arts have to change hearts, minds, and history,” said Banks-Moore, of Holmdel. “The Basie Center has a long history of bringing people to the arts and arts to the people — particularly young and historically disadvantaged people. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Board of such an important cultural and economic engine and look forward to helping the Basie build on its legacy of leadership in the areas of education, diversity and social change.”

“The Count Basie Center is one of the great pillars of our community,” said Merrill Lynch’s Cadet. “The arts and arts education play a crucial role in the social and economic wellness of a community, and I am honored and excited for the opportunity to do my part to promote the impact, strength and importance of everything the Basie Center has to offer.”

“The Count Basie Center could not be more pleased to have James Cadet and Alison Banks-Moore as members of our Board of Trustees,” said Basie Center Board Chairperson Jeremy Grunin.

“Along with the appointment of Claudia, Maria and SoVonna to our executive committee, our nonprofit organization is well-equipped to continue its work in enriching the community with the empowering strength of the performing arts.”

“The Basie has one of the most engaged and committed Board of Trustees I have ever had the chance to work with,” said Adam Philipson, President / CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “These community members help us fulfill our mission and truly value the changes the Basie can make to enrich the lives of those we serve. The addition of Alison and James and the new Executive Committee will bring fresh new perspectives and energy as we continue to Inspire, Educate and Entertain.”